October 25,2020: Silverton and San Juan County are no longer under the Ready evacuation status. Prepare for future incidents by reviewing the following:
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Prepare for near-future evacuation |
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Voluntary Evacuation; Evacuation Orders are Imminent |
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Mandatory Immediate Evacuation Required |
Assemble your valuables, essential medications and medical equipment. Include important documents such as passports, birth certificates and insurance information. Make sure you have your computer and phone, a credit card and copies of personal items such as family photos. Have clothes and personal items packed in a “go bag.” Due to COVID-19, make sure to pack face coverings for every member of the household, as well as hand sanitizer if you have it.
Prepare Your Family
- Create a Family Disaster Plan that includes meeting locations and communication plans and rehearse it regularly.
- Appoint an out-of-area friend or relative as a point of contact so you can communicate with family members who have relocated.
- Maintain a list of emergency contact numbers in your emergency supply kit.
- Know where your gas, electric and water main shut-off controls are and how to use them
- Assemble an emergency supply kit as recommended by the American Red Cross.
- Keep an extra emergency supply kit in your vehicle.
- Consider a portable radio or scanner to help stay updated on the fire in case of loss of internet/cell service.
- Take a video of your home for insurance purposes, focusing on expensive items and serial numbers.
Inside
- Shut windows and doors
- Remove flammable window shades, curtains and close metal shutters
- Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors
- Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions
- Turn off pilot lights after shutting off propane at the tank
Outside
- Gather flammable items, patio furniture, children’s toys, and doormats from outside the house and bring them inside or put them in storage
- Turn off propane tanks
- Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures
- Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters.
- Fill water buckets and place them around the house
- Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness
- Put your Go Kit in your vehicle
- Back your car into the driveway with doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you
- Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof
- Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals
- Patrol your property and monitor the fire situation. Don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened.
Animals/Pets
- Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
- Have food and water for pets ready for evacuation.
- Prepare animals for transport and consider moving them to a safe location early.
Neighbors
- Check on neighbors and make sure they are preparing to leave, especially neighbors who may need extra assistance, such as people with medical needs, people with disabilities, children, seniors.
- Exchange contact information to be able to keep in touch.
For more ideas about what to include in your Go Kit, visit Ready.Gov
Questions
Town/County questions can be directed to the Silverton Visitor Center:
(970) 387-5654 or Toll-free (800) 752-4494
Sign up for Public Alerts: Receive emergency notifications on Nixle by texting 81433 to 888-777.