Why are we doing this?

• Learn the types of disasters that are likely in your community and the local emergency, evacuation and shelter plans for each specific disaster.
• Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
• Check with local officials about what shelter spaces are available for this year. 
• Identify several places you could go in an emergency such as a friend’s home in another town or a motel. Choose destinations in different direct

Evacuation Level 1: “Be Ready”

If you’re fortunate enough to get an initial warning, this is an opportunity for you to start making yourself aware of potential dangers. Here’s what to do:

• Tune in to a local radio station.
• Research online alerts.
• Prepare people, pets, and livestock.
• If you haven’t packed an evacuation bag, this is the time to assemble one.

Evacuation Level 2: “Be Set”

This warning level means that you're in danger. Some people may stay in their homes until the last minute, while most are already on the move. State and local authorities suggest you take increased precautions as this may be the only notice you receive. 

Evacuation Level 3: “Go”

Level 3 means that the current situation is grave and that you are in imminent danger. If you haven't prepared anything, you won't have time to do so. Level 3 means you can't delay any longer, and you must leave if you want to survive.

Many kinds of emergencies can cause you to have to evacuate. In some cases, you may have a day or two to prepare while other situations might call for an immediate evacuation. Planning is vital to making sure that you can evacuate quickly and safely ions so that you have options during an emergency. 

In the United States, wildfire evacuations are becoming more and more common. Where I live, Interstate and local highways are known to shut down entirely because the wildfires can rage so close to the roads. 

Worse, wildfires exacerbate the AQI (Air Quality Index), forcing people to stay inside their homes for weeks on end dealing with mild to severe physical reactions, like headaches, itchy eyes, and nausea. Alternatively, they can try to evacuate and find fresher air hundreds of miles, if not states away.

• If needed, identify a place to stay that will accept pets. Most public shelters allow only service animals.
• Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
• Always follow the instructions of local officials and remember that your evacuation route may be on foot depending on the type of disaster.
• Come up with a family/household plan to stay in touch in case you become separated; have a meeting place and update it depending on the circumstance.
• Assemble supplies that are ready for evacuation. Prepare a “go-bag” you can carry when you evacuate on foot or public transportation and supplies for traveling longer distances if you have a car. 
• If you have a car:
  • Keep a full tank of gas if an evacuation seems likely. Keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case of an unexpected need to evacuate. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay.
  • Make sure you have a portable emergency kit in the car.
• If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if needed. Decide with family, friends or your local emergency management office to see what resources may be available.

https://extramile.thehartford.com/home/protection/what-to-take-if-you-evacuate-in-an-emergency/

Weathering a storm, fire or other disaster starts with making an emergency evacuation plan for you and your family — including a detailed list of what to take with you.

The items you take may include clothing, food, water, medication, insurance documents and possibly even a few sentimental items like a journal or old photos. What you take will vary based on your household and needs. For example, you might have a baby or a pet that requires special accommodations or a family member who takes daily medication.

Start by making sure each family member has a backpack or other bag that’s sturdy, water-resistant and easy to carry, with pockets or compartments for finding items quickly. You may also want to get a container you can easily grab and place in your car for documents and other paper items.

Here are the things you may want to include when making your list of what to take with you if you evacuate your home.

 Here are the communication essentials to take with you:

• Cell phone and charger Laptop computer and charger Portable or emergency charger (in case you can't plug in)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Two-way radios

You’ll also need emergency supplies should you face unexpected or unusual situations such as cold or lack of electricity. Keep in mind that some of the things you usually rely on, such as ATMs, credit card machines and even your smartphone, may not be working. Pack these emergency items:

• A flashlight
• Extra batteries
• A complete first-aid kit (the Red Cross recommends a 115-item deluxe kit)
• A blanket
• A supply of cash
• A notebook and pen
• A map or road atlas
• Extra keys for your car and house
• Extra batteries for car key fob
• An all-purpose tool

It’s wise to have your important documents stored digitally so you can access them if physical copies get damaged. Here are some important documents to take:

• Driver’s licenses
• Passports
• Car registration
• Proof of address (such as a utility bill in your name)
• Deed to home (if you own) or lease (if you rent)
• Health insurance cards for the family
• Birth certificates for children
• Important phone numbers in case your phone isn’t working (family member/emergency contact, landlord, family doctor, pharmacist, pediatrician, veterinarian and insurance agent)
• Insurance documents (auto policy, home policy or renter’s policy, etc.)
  Veterinary records for your pet (showing current vaccinations, city license etc.)

Pack so that you and your family have enough food and water to get through at least three days. If you’re wondering what kind of food to put in an evacuation kit, experts recommend crackers, nut butter, dried fruit and nuts and seeds, juice boxes, energy bars, canned beans, canned fruit, canned meat and canned vegetables. Here’s what to pack to sustain you and your family:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)
• A three-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• A can opener

Keep in mind that you may need multiple days’ worth of clothing, including a change of clothes in case what you’re wearing gets dirty or wet. Make sure to take:

• At least three changes of clothes for each person
• Extra undergarments and socks
• Spare pair of shoes for each person

The personal hygiene items you need to pack will vary based on your and your family’s needs, but here are some items you may want to include:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
• Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
• Dry shampoo
• Hand sanitizer
• Personal wipes (in case you can’t access a shower)
• Tissues
• Lotion
• Lip balm
• Deodorant
• Menstrual products
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Face masks (N95, KN95 or surgical masks)
• Vitamin supplements

If you or someone in your family takes medication or wears contacts or glasses, make sure to consider that when you pack. Your evacuation kit should include these vision and medical supplies:

• A one-week supply of prescription medication (blood pressure medicine, etc.)
• Any medical devices you need (hearing aids with extra batteries, walker, etc.)
• Contact lenses, lens case and multipurpose solution
• Glasses (take a backup pair even if you wear contacts)
• Reading glasses (take a spare pair if possible)

If you or your family have special health or medical needs, make a list of items you’ll need to add to your evacuation kit. For example, here’s a list of evacuation items for people with diabetes and here’s a list of evacuation items for those with food allergies.

If you have a baby or toddler in the family, you’ll need to pack special supplies. Here are the items you may want to take for babies and young children:

• Baby food /formula
• Baby wipes
• Baby equipment you use (carrier, etc.)
• Bibs
• Burp rags
• Cups
• Diapers
• Camp stove (if you need to boil water for sanitizing)
• Extra blankets
• Extra water and soap for hand washing
• Nursing pads
• Pacifiers
• Snacks for toddlers or children
• Teething gel
• Thermos for formula
• Items to keep kids busy (coloring book and crayons, picture books, etc.

• N95 masks: The CDC recommends both N95 masks and P100 respirators during a wildfire and smoke-filled air occurrences, especially for at-risk individuals. N95 masks are reasonably priced and available online.
• Eye drops: Using the eye drops helps tremendously but won't relieve the issues entirely.
• Inhaler: Those who are young, elderly, pregnant, or those already experiencing chronic lung conditions should take precautionary measures during wildfire season. Check with your doctor to learn about options available to you.
• Damp facial cloths: Smoke from burning trees and leaves isn't the only thing you're breathing in the air. When houses go up in flames, a lot of toxic gases do as well. A report from the FAA suggests that a wet cloth will help absorb most water-soluble gases.

You never want to risk your safety by taking time to gather possessions when you’re trying to evacuate in a hurry. But if you plan ahead, you may be able to pack a few sentimental items such as your child’s first drawing or your grandma’s engagement ring. Consider picking the three items that have the most sentimental value to you (as long as they’re easily portable) and packing them ahead of time.

You may be able to pack many of these essential items in advance so they’re ready to gather quickly. You may then want to make a list of items you want to take but can’t pack in advance, like your phones and chargers, so you know what to grab before you go.

If you have furry, feather or scaly family members, you’ll need to make an evacuation plan for them ahead of time since many shelters don’t accept pets. If you plan to evacuate with your pets to a relative’s home or hotel, you may want to take:

• A three-day supply of non-perishable pet food (dry, canned etc.)
• Blankets or towels
• A three-day supply of water for each pet
• Food and water bowls
• Collar, harness and leash
• Pet bed
• Pet crate or carrier
• Pet chews and training treats
• Medications (flea medicine, heartworm medicine, etc.)
• Vet records (vaccinations, rabies tag etc.)
• Pet wipes
• Toys and chew toys
• Poop bags for dogs
• Litter box and litter for cats

There are unique considerations for horses and other livestock during a disaster. Preparing ahead of time and acting quickly are the best ways to keep you and your animals—pets and livestock—out of danger. Protect your whole family when emergencies arise with the proper supplies, veterinary information, animal identification and an evacuation plan that has been practiced. Whether the threat is a hurricane, wildfire​ or other disaster, lives may depend on being ready.​

Planning for disasters​

• Assemble an evacuation kit (see below).
• Develop an evacuation plan for all of your animals and practice the plan.
• Keep written directions to your home near your telephone. This will help you and others explain to emergency responders exactly how to get to your home.
• Identify alternate sources of food and water. Because floodwaters are often contaminated with sewer waste and may also pose a risk of chemical contamination, animals should be prevented as much as possible from accessing and drinking them.
• Have well maintained backup generators and a source of fuel for use in food-animal production operations.
• Keep vehicles well maintained and full of gas.
• Keep emergency cash on hand. (Remember: ATMs may not work.)
• If evacuating is impossible, decide on the safest housing option for your animals, realizing that the situation is still life threatening.
• Assess the stability and safety of barns and other structures, promptly remove dead trees, and minimize debris in fields and the immediate environment.
• If you live in an area prone to wildfires, clear away brush and maintain a defensible space around structures.
• Keep a list of the species, number and locations of your animals near your evacuation supplies and note animals’ favorite hiding spots. This will save precious rescue time.

Equine identification

• microchip
• tattoo
• halter tag
• neck collars
• leg band
• brand
• mane clip
• luggage tag braided into tail or mane
• clipper-shaved information in the animal’s hair
• livestock marking crayon, non-toxic, non-water-soluble spray paint, or
• non-water-soluble markers to write on the animal’s side
• permanent marker to mark hooves

Livestock identification

• neck chain
• ear notches
• leg band
• ear tag
• brand
• livestock marking crayon, non-toxic, non-water-soluble spray paint, or
• markers to write on the animal’s side
• wattle notching
• ear tattoo
• back or tail tag

Evacuating large animals

Equine and livestock evacuation can be challenging. Develop an evacuation plan in advance and make sure animals are familiar with being loaded onto a trailer. Locate and prearrange an evacuation site for your animals outside your immediate area. Possible sites include:

• stockyards or auction facilities
• other boarding facilities

If you do not have enough trailers to quickly transport all of your animals to an evacuation site, contact neighbors, local haulers, farmers, producers or other transportation providers to establish a network of available and reliable resources that can provide transportation in the event of a disaster.

If evacuation of horses/livestock is impossible, relocate them to the safest place possible based on the type of imminent disaster and the environment, realizing that the situation could be life threatening. Make sure they have access to hay or another appropriate and safe food source, as well as clean water and the safest living area possible, including high ground above flood level. Do not rely on automatic watering systems, because power may be lost.

The decision to leave your horses/livestock in the field or in the barn should be based on the risks of injury resulting from the disaster and from the immediate environment during that disaster. Factors to consider include the stability of the barn, the risk of flooding and the amount of trees and debris in the fields. If time permits, secure or remove all outdoor objects that could turn into dangerous flying debris.

Equine and livestock evacuation kit

• 7-10 day supply of feed, supplements, and water
• Bandanas (to use as blindfolds)
• Batteries (flashlight, radio)
• Blankets
• Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership
• Cotton halter
• Duct tape
• Emergency contact list
• First aid kit (see item suggestions in the Saving the Whole Family​ brochure)
• Flashlight
• Fly spray
• Grooming brushes
• Heavy gloves (leather)
• Hoof knife
• Hoof nippers
• Hoof pick
• Hoof rasp
• Instructions
  • Diet: record the diet for your animals.
  • Medications: list each animal separately, and for each medication include the drug name, dose and frequency. Provide veterinary and pharmacy contact information for refills.
• Knife (sharp, all-purpose)
• Leg wraps and leg quilts
• Maps of local area and alternate evacuation routes in addition to GPS (in case of road closures)
• Non-nylon halters and leads (leather/cotton)
• Nose leads
• Paper towels
• Shovel
• Tarpaulins
• Trash bags
• Twitch
• Water buckets
• Whip/prods
• Wire cutters

Be sure to include birds in your disaster plans. Plastic poultry transport crates/coops work well for transporting chickens if evacuation is necessary. Vehicle interiors should be warmed in winter or cooled in summer before transporting birds.

Transfer birds to more suitable housing as soon as possible to facilitate feeding and watering. Line crates or cages with shavings or other absorbent material for ease of cleaning. At the evacuation site, house birds away from noisy areas and other flocks, and protect them from the weather and predators.

Backyard poultry evacuation kit

• 
  Leg bands with an emergency telephone number and photos of birds can help you identify them if they escape or get lost.
• Feed and water for 7 -10 days. Vitamin and electrolyte packs (stress packs) may help ease stress.
• Sufficient feeders and waterers for the number of birds.
• Detergent, disinfectant, gloves and other cleaning supplies for cleaning cages.
• Feeders and drinkers.
• Extra absorbent bedding material (newspapers can work temporarily) to line cages or temporary coops.
• If evacuating chicks, consider their special needs (heat, food, equipment).

• Download the FEMA app for a list of open shelters during an active disaster in your local area.
• Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.
• Take your emergency supply kit.
• Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
• Take your pets with you but understand that only service animals may be allowed in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency now.
• If time allows:
  • Call or email the out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.
  • Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows.
  • Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
  • Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
    Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
  • Check with neighbors who may need a ride.
  • Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts, they may be blocked.
  • Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.

If you evacuated for the storm, check with local officials both where you’re staying and back home before you travel.

• If you are returning to disaster-affected areas, after significant events prepare for disruptions to daily activities and remember that returning home before storm debris is cleared is dangerous.
• Let friends and family know before you leave and when you arrive.
• Charge devices and consider getting back-up batteries in case power-outages continue.
• Fill up your gas tank and consider downloading a fuel app to check for outages along your route.
• Bring supplies such as water and non-perishable food for the car ride.
• Avoid downed power or utility lines, they may be live with deadly voltage. Stay away and report them immediately to your power or utility company.
• Only use generators outside and away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage or connect it to your home's electrical system.

Sources

1. Create a Wildfire Action Plan. (n.d.). Ready for Wildfire. www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-set/wildfire-action-plan/

2. Deschutes County. (2020). Emergency Information. www.deschutes.org/sheriff/page/emergency-information  

3. Evacuation. (n.d.). Ready. www.ready.gov/evacuation 

4. Evacuation Levels. (n.d.). Welcome to Manatee County Florida. www.mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/emergency_management/evacuation_levels  

5. Federal Aviation Administration's Report on Smoke Toxicity. (n.d.). FAA. www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/media/Smoke.pdf 

6. Public Health Strategies to Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke during the COVID-19 Pandemic. (2020). CDC. www.cdc.gov/disasters/covid-19/reduce_exposure_to_wildfire_smoke_covid-19.html 

7. The Virginian-Pilot. (2019). Hurricane Guide: What to take if you evacuate. www.pilotonline.com/weather/article_3146c61c-ff71-519d-8517-950f0633d7b4.html  

8. Wildfire Smoke / Air Quality. (n.d.). Berkeley.Edu.  uhs.berkeley.edu/health-topics/wildfire-smoke-air-quality 

 
9. https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/emergencycare/large-animals-and-livestock-disasters