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Countless people and animals are being displaced due to raging wildfires.
If you have to evacuate, here are some important things to know.
When do I evacuate?
Local law enforcement agencies orderevacuations.However, as stated by the Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal,if you feel threatened by a wildfire, do not wait for an official evacuation order.
Oregon residents should be aware of the three emergency evacuation levels that can be issued and what they mean.
Here's a breakdown fromthe Oregon Office of Emergency Management:
Oregon evacuation levels
Level 1- Be Ready
- 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 circ*mstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.
Level 2- Be Set
- You must prepare to leave at a moment's notice:This level indicates there is a 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 mayhave time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk.
- This may be the only notice given: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- Leave Immediately
- Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisem*nt, 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.
If you are advised to evacuate, take your emergency supply kit, lock your homeand choose a route away from the fire hazard. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of the fire and smoke.
Tell someone when you left and where you are going. Check-in with them when you arrive.
What evacuation level am I?
County officials are sending out alerts to communicate evacuation levels to affected areas. The Statesman Journal is also keeping a running list and updated coverage of these alerts.
For Marion County, find alert and emergency information atwww.co.marion.or.us/Alertsor call503-391-7294 for more information.
Updates are also being posted on the Marion County Sheriff's Office Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/MCSOInTheKnow.
The Marion-area multi-agency emergency telecommunications, or METCOM 911, Facebook page also has regular updates. Follow those atwww.facebook.com/marionco911.
See a round-up of evacuation levels issued for Marion, LincolnandLane counties here.
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What do I bring?
If immediate evacuation is required, remember:
- People
- Pets
- Personal computer
- Prescriptions and COVID-19 masks
- Paperwork (important documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance)
- Pictures (or other keepsakes that cannot be replaced)
- Phone (as well as chargers)
- Plastic (credit/bank cards)
If you have time, experts suggest turning on sprinklers and turning off your main gas line before you evacuate. You may also want to bring:
- Pet food and water bowls
- Map of the area and evacuation routes
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Carryon luggage with wheels/backpacks
- Clothes
- Infant formula and diapers and toys for children
- Toilet paper/wet wipes/paper towels
- Toiletries
- Duct tape/bungee cords/rope
- Tools
- Battery-powered radio and batteries
- Pocket knife
- Compass
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Gloves
- Extra car keys
- Road flares or triangle reflectors
- Disinfectant (60% alcohol
Where do we go?
For Marion County residents evacuating, there are a handful of staging areas and places open to campers.
- Oregon State Fairgrounds (RV and tent camping is available for evacuees. There is no cost and food, waterand restrooms are available. Please check in with the Red Cross when you arrive.)
- Countryside Christian Church (5775 McLeod NE, Keizer: Has space for 15 self-contained RVs or trailers and also room for cars.)
- Oak Knoll Golf Course (Hwy. 22 West,RV camping available for evacuees. No cost.)
- Marion County parks and Volcanoes Stadium
- Keizer city parks
Linn County also has opened its fairgrounds in Albany.
There are limited spaces if you are traveling with livestock. The fairgrounds were nearing capacity to take in livestock from evacuees, according to Marion County officials on a Facebook post made last Tuesday evening.
Livestock is being accepted at:
- Oregon State Fairgrounds(As of 11 p.m. Tuesday, there was room for approx.100 more animals)
- Polk County Fairgrounds (call 503-623-3048 in advance to let them know what type of livestock you have)
- West Hills Stables inWest Salem(call 503-851-2214 to confirm availability)
Natalie Pate is the education reporter for the Statesman Journal. She can be reached atnpate@StatesmanJournal.com, 503-399-6745, Twitter@NataliempateorFacebook atwww.Facebook.com/nataliepatejournalist.
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