Summer months bring increased risk of wildfire, says Baker City Sheriff
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, June 2nd, 2022 in Featured Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY – Summer months mean an increase in wildfires. which also means it is important to know what to do if you hear of a possible evacuation. In Baker County the Baker County Sheriff’s Office uses the statewide ‘Be Ready, Be Set, Go’ model for things such as evacuations.
Whenever possible, deputies will make evacuation notices in person, however the Sheriff’s Office encourages all Baker County residents to sign up for the countywide emergency notification system, AlertSense.
Sign up here: https://public.alertsense.com/signup/?regionid=1357
In the event of a wildfire or other disasters that could require evacuation it is important know what the levels mean.
Level 1 Evacuation (BE READY)
-Prepare to evacuate.
Level 2 Evacuation (BE SET)
-Be set to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Level 3 Evacuation (GO!)
-Leave immediately!
The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has information on the statewide evacuation notification system as well, that information can be found below.
Oregon’s evacuation notification system is structured around the readiness need and threat level, broken down into three tiers. Level One, coded green, means BE READY to evacuate. Older adults, families with children, people with disabilities, livestock and pet owners, and those with limited access to transportation should consider evacuating at Level One. This is also a good time to check with neighbors and share information. Oregonians should be aware of fire risk in their area, stay informed, and actively take steps to prepare themselves to reduce their risk from wildfire, including:
- Signing up for local emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov.
- Enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on cell phones.
- Having a family emergency plan.
- Assembling a disaster supply kit.
- Making a plan for shelter, including animals.
- Mapping out evacuation routes.
Level Two, coded yellow, means BE SET to evacuate. There is significant danger in the area and people should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Voluntary evacuation at Level Two is recommended, especially if people need extra time or have livestock. Individuals should:
- Continue to stay informed and alert, checking for updates through local city and county websites, social media, TV and radio.
- Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information.
- Consider relocating to a safe place outside of the affected area.
- Inform loved ones of plans and destinations.
Level Three, coded red, means GO NOW – Leave Immediately! Level three indicates there is extreme danger in the area and remaining threatens the safety of individuals as well as emergency responders, who may not be available to help those who choose to stay. Do not stop to gather belongings or protect the home. Now is the time to act:
- Grab the go-kit.
- Follow the emergency plan.
- Leave as fast as safely possible.
- Upon evacuating, drive carefully; turn on headlights and follow traffic safety warnings and instructions from local authorities.
OEM urges Oregonians to evacuate any time they feel unsafe, as conditions can change rapidly. Individuals should always make the best decision for their safety. Following an evacuation, people should not return to the area until public safety officials announce it is safe.
“OEM is supporting our local partners in providing equitable and accessible information to help everyone do their part to proactively address existing vulnerabilities and take actions to reduce risk,” said Phelps. “We encourage all Oregonians to connect with their local community. Knowing what to do when receiving an evacuation notification will help individuals and communities stay safe when faced with the threat of wildfire or other disaster.”
Find more information and resources at wildfire.oregon.gov.
