Cook County Pre-Planning for Evacuation information

COOK COUNTY PRE-PLANNING FOR EVACUATION

(9/18/2011.v2)

Because of public interest and due to the existing Pagami Creek Fire in Lake County and the potential
for additional lightning caused wildfire, the Cook County Sheriff is providing the following information
to help the public with preparations in the event of an evacuation. At this time there is no imminent
threat to order an evacuation.

Evacuation directives may be issued over NOAA weather radio, WTIP radio, Boreal Access, telephone
call and/or personal visit directed by the Sheriff’s Office. This order will NOT provide time for
making preparations, LEAVE AS DIRECTED. Make your preparations now.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

STAY INFORMED: Listen to local radio stations for updated emergency information.

MAKE A KIT: Prepare your Evacuation Kit. (See below)

HAVE A PLAN:

. Plan your escape route…and an alternative. The fire threat may affect your options.
. Make plans for the care of your pets (take your pets with you should you leave).
. Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area. You will be more
comfortable in someone’s home than in a public shelter.
. Back your car into the garage (disconnect automatic garage door openers because the power may go
out) or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Know
where the keys are.
. If you have time, take steps to reduce the chance of your home catching fire or lessen the damage.
. Put any ladders up against your roof (for firefighter use if needed).
. Remove combustible items from around the house and yard (lawn and deck furniture,
umbrellas, firewood. You probably do not have time to do a complete FIREWISE treatment of your
property.
. If you have one installed, test your external structure sprinkler system

IF ADVISED TO EVACUATE, DO SO IMMEDIATELY!

1. Remain calm
2. Start you sprinkler system if you have one.
3. Take your Evacuation Kit. (Remember the 6 Ps, see below)
4. Leave power and outside lights on. Turn off propane to the house or cabin at the tank.
5. Leave a written note on the door with date, time and who evacuated and where you are heading.
6. You may lock your cabin.
7. If you have a hose, turn it on with the nozzle attached in closed position (for fire fighter safety).
8. Take your PETS with you. They will not be allowed inside the evacuation centers, but temporary
shelters may be provided for them. If they have any medications make sure they are included, also
vaccination records.
9. If your boat is in the lake, leave it with motor, gas, and life preservers (for firefighter safety).
10. Tie a white cloth/towel/sheet/T-shirt on your blue street address sign to signify that you are gone.
(When there is more than one sign on a post, tie the cloth around your sign number.)
11. Please follow designated evacuation routes, drive carefully with your lights on.
12. CHECK-IN at the designated REGISTRATION location (described in the Evacuation Order) and receive
additional information.
13. When you get to a safe area please notify your next of kin that you have evacuated AND ARE SAFE.

SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR YOUR EVACUATION KIT

(6Ps: People and Pets, Prescriptions, Pictures/Photos, Papers, Personal Computer)

Prescription medications in ORIGINAL BOTTLES

Eyeglasses, if necessary, contacts and solution/equipment

Special equipment/medical supplies for infants, elderly or people with special needs:

(Such as oxygen, nebulizer, wheelchair, cane, diapers, formula, etc.)

Billfold/purse including: Cash, credit cards, driver’s license, etc.

Important documents, including Living Wills, birth certificates, social security cards, passports,
other forms of identification, etc.)

Phone numbers of out of area contacts

Personal care items/change of clothing

Pillow/blanket/towel

Pets: Supplies, food, records, medications

For more information see:
http://www.co.cook.mn.us/images/stories/phhs/emergencypreparedness_may10...

VOLUNTARY EVACUATION INFORMATION

The following information is for Cook County residents and visitors and is provided by the Cook
County Sheriff and Emergency Manager. Note: Cook County will not be opening a shelter for people
who choose to evacuate voluntarily. Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside
the threatened area. If you choose to evacuate your property/camping area PRIOR to an official
mandatory evacuation order, please follow these steps:

1. Call this number (218) 387-3637 and follow the automated instructions.

. You will be asked to give your name and names of others going with you, where you are coming
from and where you are going.
. This information will be recorded by Cook County Public Health and Human Services Staff to
help track evacuees and answer calls from others interested in your safety and whereabouts.
. This is a confidential phone line. Your information is being recorded as a courtesy to you by the
Cook County Public Health and Human Services department and will only be used to provide
information to others that are interested in your safety and whereabouts. All information will be
deleted when this incident has ended.

2. Leaving process:

. Remain calm.
. Take your Evacuation Kit with you (See above suggested items for the 6 Ps)
. Leave the power and outside lights on. Turn off propane to the house or cabin at the tank.
. Attach a written note to the door with date, time, and who evacuated and where you are heading.
. You may lock your cabin.
. Take your pets with you and plan for their needs.
. Drive carefully with your headlights on!

If you wait for an official evacuation order, you may not have time to take preventative measures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Cook County homepage: http://www.co.cook.mn.us/ contains additional health, safety, and preparedness resource links that may be of interest to the public, such as, a checklist for creating a personal emergency preparedness kit, pre-planning for evacuation information, and air quality advisories and testing information.