County Wide Evacuation

[AZ Prepper]

County Wide Evacuation

1. County wide evacuation can be necessary under various circumstances already discussed in this booklet, so it is best to know what to do if it becomes necessary so that it can be done efficiently and safely. In many counties the local authorities have put together evacuation (relocation) plans to aid the residents of those counties if it becomes necessary. Many counties do not have evacuation plans and in such have left it up to the individual cities. Most state, county and city government officials are very reluctant to believe that such an evacuation would ever be necessary and as a result are very reserved in trying to actually implement such a plan. Many state governments do have old Civil Defense Relocation Plans which could be implemented but are very out dated especially with the large population growth that has occurred since they were first drafted.

2. Understand the warning signals given by the government and local authorities, what they mean, and how to respond to them.

• The EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS) is broadcast over sirens, radio, television and the internet and lasts for about 10 - 20 seconds. After you hear or see this turn on your radio or television to get the official message from your local authorities on what to do and where to go. With this signal or message you will usually have time to evacuate the area or seek adequate shelter. Listen to it !
• If you live in an area that has a wide area broadcast system - WABS (most major cities do) a wavering siren will sound. This usually does not give you any instructions. After you hear or see this turn on your radio or television to get the official message from your local authorities on what to do and where to go.
• If you live in an area that does not have a wide area broadcast system or EAS when political tensions begin to rise be attentive to the radio and television news broadcasts as to what to do. REMEMBER a rumor is not a warning !
• If you hear a rumor, do not start packing but rather find official information.

3. Who will be leaving ? All citizens excepting the National Guard and other “critical care workers,” which include selected police, fire, and medical personnel.

4. When will you leave ? You will be informed by the Emergency Alert System (EAS), a Wide-Area Broadcast System (WABS), sirens, radio, television. police and fire personnel, and/or newspaper as to when and where to go. If an evacuation is imminent be sure that your vehicle has a full tank of gas and that you have your 72-hour kit(s). If you have no forewarning do not stop to get these items, just go! DO NOT DELAY - REMEMBER MATERIAL ITEMS CAN BE REPLACED - LIFE CANNOT.

5. How to get there ? In view of an imminent evacuation, maps will be circulated throughout the area by newspaper, mail, television and other public means. The maps correspond with where you live and where you are to go. Follow the instructions given by the maps and the authorities. Do not go to another area. Each area has already been prepared for an influx of a certain amount of people.

6. What if you do not have transportation or you are physically challenged, aged, sick or confined to a bed ? Obtain one of the maps that are being distributed at the time of evacuation. On the same maps there will be telephone numbers to call to get rides and/or help.

7. What can you take with you ? Take your 72-hour kit and any equipment you might have that could be used to make of shelters (such as a shovel, pick, axe, saw, etc.), camping equipment, paper money (not plastic), and legal papers (such as banking papers, property deeds and titles, insurance policies, etc.). Do not take firearms with you! They will be confiscated by the authorities. Do not take pets with you unless you take enough food and sanitary provisions for them for at least three weeks. When you get to your designated relocation area your pets will have to stay outside of all physical facilities designated for humans, so you decide whether or not to bring them along. Most pets will do okay left to themselves with plenty of food, of course. The authorities will destroy all animals not properly taken care of in the relocation areas. Take all perishable food items with you or consume them before leaving due to possible spoiling before you return.

8. What should you do with your home ? Lock up your home and close all curtains. If you have time, consider turning off your utilities.

9. What if you do not want to evacuate ? Under current State and Federal law, you cannot be forced to leave. Under martial law, however, you may be forced to do so. It does not take a whole lot of effort for the president or the governor to invoke martial law. Remember, there may be no utilities and very little protection or other services, if you stay.

10. Traffic control will be set up by the National Guard and/or the Civil Defense. They will assist you on getting on the road to your relocation area or host area. This will be traffic CONTROL. Do not attempt to find a short-cut. You will be stopped.

11. Maintain a constant state of readiness. This includes having your vehicle in top condition, with enough gas to travel at least 100 miles. A small emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle could prove useful. This kit should include: a shovel, a blanket for every passenger, tools for the vehicle, necessary fluids to maintain the vehicle, flares, several non-perishable food items, matches, flashlight and/or light-stick, first aid kit, emergency drinking water, etc.

12. Work out a plan detailing what to do to get back together if you are separated during an evacuation. Go over with your family where to meet in case of separation.

13. Carpool with people you know. If you do not you will be forced by the authorities to carpool with people you do not know.

14. Patience and courtesy will be of utmost importance during a large-scale relocation. Thousands of vehicles will be on the road. Do not leave excess distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Those behind you may become impatient and cause an accident in attempting to get around you.

15. Should traffic come to a stand still, stay in your vehicle and turn on your radio for official information and broadcasts. If you are stopped for a long period of time, turn off your vehicle to conserve fuel.

16. If your vehicle breaks down or runs out of fuel, move to the shoulder of the road, raise your hood and wait for assistance.

17. If your vehicle is equipped with a C.B. or HAM radio feel free to listen to it for information but talk on it only for emergency. Civil and public safety units will need clear channels during large-scale emergencies and disasters.

18. Do not abandon your vehicle in traffic unless specifically told to do so by the authorities in charge of the evacuation. If you must abandon your vehicle, for what ever reason, move it over to the side, out of traffic, as much as possible.



This information was taken by permission from the author of, "Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response" by Kenneth Moravec. This booklet (very highly recommended) can be purchased for a very low cost by contacting the author at: Kenneth Moravec - MoravecKennethB@aol.com - (801) 492-9029