07/09/19 Ready Set Go! What Does Preparedness Mean for Area Residents and Visitors?

Evacuations are initiated for various emergency situations in Alaska. During a wildland fire response evacuation planning may be initiated as a precautionary measure. The Swan Lake Fire Incident Management Team, Agency Administrators and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management (OEM) personnel are working together to implement a "Ready Set Go!" plan for the Cooper Landing area. How can you do your part? When notifications are released, residents and visitors are asked to actively participate at each level for their individual safety and for the safety of the first responders and wildland firefighters.

LEVEL 1: “BE READY” for a potential evacuation. Get your evacuation supplies together.

Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with mobility concerns, pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you through the emergency notification system “KPBalerts.” Residents and visitors should always practice a “Be Ready” state of preparedness regardless of conditions. Creating defensible space around your property is an effective way "Be Ready." Click HERE for Firewise Alaska information.

LEVEL 2: "BE SET" to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.

This level indicates there is significant danger to your area. At “Be Set” residents have two options: (1) Don’t wait! Voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area; or (2) Be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents will NOT have time

Photo credit: KTUU Channel 2 television station

to gather necessary items if not already completed during the Level 1: “Be Ready.” THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates. If available, Community Emergency Response Team volunteers (CERT) in green vests may conduct door-to-door notifications with local law enforcement officers.

LEVEL 3: "GO" EVACUATE NOW! LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!

Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE. Entry to evacuated areas may be denied until conditions are safe. Area radio and TV stations have been asked to broadcast periodic updates. These stations and the blog www.kpboem.com will actively notify residents when it is safe to re-enter the evacuated area.

To build a seven day emergency kit, create a family plan or for more information on wildland fire preparedness before, during and after an evacuation, visit the Kenai Peninsula Borough OEM webpage at https://www.kpb.us/emergency-mgmt/disaster/fire.

Click HERE for a printable version of the KPB 2019 Wildland Fire Evacuation Guide.