Evacuation

Evac

In large-scale emergencies, there may be a need to evacuate a community.  The call for an evacuation could be because of a hurricane, flood, wildfire, or an industrial accident.  It Is important to be aware of the steps that are necessary to be prepared and ready to evacuate during such a time. 


Evacuation Communication:

During a disaster, it is essential to stay informed.  Be sure to follow the Annapolis REMO social media accounts or sign up for Alertable.  Information regarding evacuations will be distributed through these channels, local radio stations, local television stations, and mobile phones. 


Evacuation Key Terms:

Evacuation Alert: When an Evacuation Alert is issued, also known as a Voluntary Evacuation, you are encouraged to prepared for the possibility of evacuation and should get prepared to leave your home on short notice. 

Evacuation Order: When an Evacuation Order is issued, also known as a Mandatory Evacuation, you must leave the area immediately.  Follow the direction of local emergency officials and evacuate using the route(s) they have identified.  Do not return home until you’ve been advised that the Evacuation Order as been rescinded. 

Rescinding an Evacuation Alert or Order:  If the situation improves and it is safe for residents to return home, and Evacuation Order may be downgraded to an Evacuation Alert or an Evacuation Alert or Order may be rescinded altogether. 
Should conditions change, an Evacuation Alert and/or Evacuation Order could be reinstated or issued as deemed necessary by first responders and local emergency management officials, based on the advice and recommendations of experts in the field. 

Reception Centre: A Reception Centre is an identified location where evacuees should vacate to in order to receive immediate refuge, assess the situation, receive important information, and make temporary plans.  Provincial services might be
deployed on-site to register and account for persons, assess immediate needs, and offer some basic services.  Generally, Reception Centres are not open overnight and do not provide sleeping accommodations. 

Comfort Centre: A Comfort Centre is a community, church, or fire station hall that is opened in a time of need to provide a location where community members can gather for a short period of time during the day. Comfort centres may provide different services depending on the resources available. 

Emergency Shelter: An Emergency Shelter serves as a temporary home for evacuees, should no other resource of temporary housing be confirmed.  Emergency Shelters provide showers, feeding, information sharing, laundry, sleeping accommodations, and more depending on the nature of the disaster.  

For more information about Comfort Centres, Reception Centre, or Emergency Shelters: click here


Wildfire Evacuation Checklist

Assemble a go bag for each member of the family (including pets) see “Go Bag” and “Pet Preparedness” for more information


Dress appropriately

  • Wear only cotton or wool clothes, including long pants, long-sleeved shirts, or jacket, a hat and boots
  • Carry gloves, a face covering, and googles


Have the right equipment

  • Keep your cell phone, a flashlight and portable radio with at all times
  • Tune into a local radio station and listen for instructions
  • Carry a bottle of water with you


Make a plan

  • Plan several evacuation routes from you home
  • Designate a safe meeting place and contact person
  • Relay your plans to a contact person
  • De aware of your emergency notification system
  • Evacuate pets and livestock whenever possible; never turn the animals loose.


Prepare your vehicle

  • Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full
  • If you can lift your garage door manually, place vehicle in the garage pointing out with the key in the ignition and disconnect the electric garage door opener. If not, park in your driveway facing out.
  • Roll up the car windows
  • Close the garage door, but leave it unlocked
  • Place essential items in the car
  • If you do not drive, make other arrangements for transportation in advance


Inside your home

  • Close all interior doors and windows
  • Leave a light on in each room
  • Remove lightweight, non-fire resistant curtains and other combustive materials from around windows
  • Turn off all pilot lights
  • Move overstuffed furniture, such as couches and easy chairs to the center of the room
  • Close fireplace damper
  • Close or block off any doggie-doors


Outside your home

  • Place combustible patio furniture in the house or garage
  • Shut off propane at the tank
  • Close all exterior vents, doors, and windows
  • Prop a non-combustible ladder against the house to provide firefighters with easy access to the roof
  • Leave exterior doors and gates unlocked
  • Turn on outside lights
  • If available and if there is time, cover windows, attic openings, and vents with plywood that is at least one-half inch thick
  • Make sure all garden hoses are connected to faucets
  • Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running, they can affect critical water pressure.


Be Prepared!

It will likely be dark, smoky, windy, and hot.  There may be airborne burning embers, no power or telephone, and poor water pressure.  Remember, there is nothing you own worth your life.  Please evacuate immediately when told to do so.