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Evacuation Ready-Set-Go

October 25,2020: Silverton and San Juan County are no longer under the Ready evacuation status. Prepare for future incidents by reviewing the following:

Ready. Prepare to Evacuate Prepare for near-future evacuation
Set. Be Alert to Evacuate Voluntary Evacuation; Evacuation Orders are Imminent
Go! Evacuate Now! Mandatory Immediate Evacuation Required

 

Pack a Go Kit

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.