Evacuation orders are delivered in several ways and do vary from community to community. Some counties use mobile alerts such as CIVIC ALERT and RED ALERT to inform citizens of dangers and evacuations. Oregon Department of Forestry instituted a Ready, Set, Go standard for the State of Oregon.
A good rule of thumb is that if you live in the state of Oregon you should always be at "Level 1 - Be Ready" as fire can erupt anywhere at anytime.
LEVEL 1 - BE READY
A Level 1 evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation.
Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system. All residents should be at this level of readiness at all times!
LEVEL 2 - BE SET
A Level 2 evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate.
This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
LEVEL 3 - GO!
A Level 3 evacuation means that you need to LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!
Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. Access to evacuated areas may be denied until conditions are safe for citizens to return. DO NOT plan to return to check on your house or animals. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them!
