Evacuations are frequently a response to natural disasters to protect people from potential harm. People may be evacuated because they are in the direct path of a natural disaster or because emergency responders may lose the ability to rescue residents due to road closures.
The County uses a variety of methods to notify residents when an evacuation is necessary. These include reverse 911 calls, text or phone messages through CruzAware and/or door to door notifications. Evacuation areas are determined by the incident command team, who oversee disaster response. They are typically based on zones making it very important to know your zone. You can identify your zone by viewing this map.
Evacuations may be short-term or longer term depending on the scope of the disaster. A temporary or short-term evacuation typically involves moving residents to a Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP) where evacuees will have access to food, water, restrooms, blankets and information about the emergency. These TEPs are meant for short durations and not meant for extended stays so sleeping accommodations are not available at these sites. For longer-term evacuations, shelters are typically established, which provide sleeping accommodation and other basic human needs such as food, water, restrooms, showers and disaster information.
It is always important to heed evacuation orders and leave as soon as an evacuation order is issued. Be prepared by making sure you have identified your evacuation route (and an alternative, if possible) and have an evacuation supplies kit. A good source for what to include in your kit can be found at https://www.ready.gov/kit.