Law enforcement officials may ask residents to prepare to evacuate an area at risk of a disaster such as a wildfire. Officials use a three-level system to warn residents that it’s time to Get Ready, Be Set and Go!
Make sure to sign up for Public Alerts to receive emergency notifications: PublicAlerts.org/signup
Learn more about the three levels of evacuation below or download this PDF to save and share.
Level 1: Get Ready
Possible evacuation for your area
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office works closely with fire agencies and other counties to determine if residents need to leave an area for safety. Conditions can change suddenly. You may not receive a Level 2 “Be Set” warning before you are ordered to Level 3 “Go! Evacuate now.”
Monitor public safety and news sites for more information and start preparing for possible evacuation.
Consider accommodations for children, seniors, people with mobility limitations, and pets, horses, and livestock. People who need help or more time to evacuate — people with disabilities, people with small children, people with medical conditions and people with large animals — should consider evacuating at Level 1.
To “Get Ready”, and if time allows, follow these Pre-Evacuation Preparation Steps:
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.
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.
For more ideas about what to include in your Go Kit, visit Ready.Gov
Inside
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Shut windows and doors
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Remove flammable window shades, curtains and close metal shutters.
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Remove lightweight curtains.
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Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
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Shut off the air conditioning.
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Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions.
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If time allows, take a video of your home for insurance purposes, focusing on expensive items and serial numbers.
Outside
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Gather flammable items — patio furniture, children’s toys, doormats — from outside the house and bring them inside or place them in an in-ground pool.
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Turn off propane tanks.
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Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.
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Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Fill water buckets and place them around the house.
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Turn off sprinklers and running water. They can affect critical water pressure.
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Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness.
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Put your Go Kit in your vehicle.
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Back your car into the driveway with doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you.
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Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof.
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Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
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Patrol your property and monitor the fire situation. Don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened.
Animals
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Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
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Prepare farm animals for transport and consider moving them to a safe location early.
Neighbors
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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.
Level 2: Be Set
Short Notice Evacuation likely of your area
Monitor public safety and news sites for more information as you prepare for possible evacuation at any moment.
Conditions can change suddenly, so finish preparations for sudden evacuation and consider leaving the area now and going to a safe place if possible.
People who need help or more time to evacuate — people with disabilities, people with small children, people with medical conditions and people with large animals — should evacuate.
Health officials ask anyone quarantining or isolating to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to take certain precautions in the event of evacuation.
To “Be Set,” make sure you do the following:
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Review your Level 1 Plan. Make sure your evacuation Plan Checklist is complete and ensure your Go Kit is in your vehicle.
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Don’t wait to be ordered to leave. Leave as soon as evacuation is recommended by fire officials to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. Evacuating the forest fire area early helps firefighters keep roads clear of congestion, and lets them move more freely. In an intense wildfire, they will not have time to knock on every door.
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Promptly follow directions of law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing an evacuation order. Officials will determine areas to be evacuated and escape routes depending on the fire’s location, behavior, winds, and terrain.
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Stay informed and aware. Listen to the news for announcements from law enforcement and emergency personnel and follow social media channels for your local law enforcement and fire departments as well as Multnomah County and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
Do not return to your home until fire officials determine it is safe. Notification that it is safe to return home will be given as soon as possible considering safety and accessibility.
Level 3: Go!
Evacuate immediately from your area
Leave the area immediate and take your pets with you. No matter where you go, information will be provided about resources and support. And be sure to follow the directions of law enforcement.
Do not return to your home until fire officials determine it is safe. Notification that it is safe to return home will be given as soon as possible.
When you leave, cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers. Dress in:
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Long pants and long sleeve-shirt (100-percent cotton is safest)
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Heavy shoes or boots
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A cap covering your head
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Dry bandanna for face cover
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Goggles or glasses
If you become trapped in your vehicle
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Stay calm
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Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation
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Close all vehicle windows and vents.
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Cover yourself with wool blanket or jacket
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Lie on vehicle floor
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Dial 9-1-1 and inform authorities of your location
If you become trapped while leaving on foot
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Stay calm
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Go to an area clear of vegetation such as a ditch or depression on level ground, if possible
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Lie face down and cover up your body
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Dial 9-1-1 and inform authorities of your location
If you become trapped in your home
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Stay calm and keep the household together
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Stay inside your house
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Dial 9-1-1 and inform authorities of your location
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Fill sinks and tubs with cold water
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Keep doors and windows closed, but unlocked
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Stay away from outside walls and windows
