In emergencies, get ‘Ready, Set, Go’

Posted 11/5/19

If Park County residents ever need to evacuate, they can expect to follow a process of “Ready, Set, Go!”

Local authorities recently decided to use that standard language for any type …

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In emergencies, get ‘Ready, Set, Go’

Posted

If Park County residents ever need to evacuate, they can expect to follow a process of “Ready, Set, Go!”

Local authorities recently decided to use that standard language for any type of evacuation — whether the threat be a wildfire, flood or hazardous materials spill.

Park County Homeland Security Coordinator Jack Tatum said consistently using the “Ready, Set, Go!” protocol should help eliminate confusion and get all agencies on the same page.

“The confusion came out because in the past, ‘pre-evacuation’ had been used instead of ‘Set,’” Tatum said. The trouble with that was, “if people see the evacuation, they might not see the ‘pre-’ part,” he said.

That turned out to be an issue as September’s Fishhawk Fire approached cabins in the Kitty Creek Drainage of the North Fork of the Shoshone River: Tatum said one person wound up misunderstanding or mishearing the warning for a “pre-evacuation,” and spread the word that an evacuation was in effect. By switching to the “Ready, Set, Go!” language, he’s hoping those kinds of mix-ups will be avoided.

At the “Ready” or red stage, folks don’t have to take any action, as there’s no imminent threat. However, residents are encouraged to be ready by preparing for an emergency. Among other tips, local leaders recommend assembling an emergency supply kit for your home and car, purchasing fire extinguishers, learning how to shut off your utilities, developing a family disaster plan and signing up for the county’s emergency alerts.

“In the ideal world, everybody would be ‘Ready’ all the time,” Tatum said.

At the “Set” or yellow stage, residents should prepare to leave their home, as an evacuation order could be coming soon. Folks should pack up their belongings, track the latest information from emergency managers, keep a close eye on their family members and pets and even consider leaving if you think it will take you extra time to evacuate.

Finally, at the “Go!” or green stage, residents need to evacuate.

“Don’t wait to be told by authorities to leave; IF YOU FEEL YOUR LIFE IS IN DANGER, LEAVE!” a Park County Homeland Security flyer warns, adding, “If you are advised to leave, don’t hesitate!”

The full flyer is available is available on the county’s website, accessible at http://parkcounty.us/OHS/homelandsecurity.html.

The decision to switch to a consistent “Ready, Set, Go!” approach came during a Thursday after-action review of the Fishhawk Fire. Tatum said representatives from the county, the Shoshone National Forest and Cody Volunteer Fire Department all agreed that “everybody worked well together” in managing the wildfire, with “fantastic” communications.

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