JACKSON, Wyo. — In light of recent wildfires surrounding the valley, Teton County Emergency Management (TCEM) is reminding the community to always be prepared by using the “Ready, Set, Go!” model.
“Being ready means being prepared in advance of a disaster or emergency. Don’t wait for someone to tell you – you should be ready year-round for hazards that are likely in our community,” Emergency Management said in the announcement.
The Fish Creek Fire burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest has prompted Fremont County to issue a pre-evacuation order for residences in Brooks Lake, Pinnacle Drive and Breccia Drive. Emergency Management says that the smoke in the air from the blaze is a good reminder to take steps to be ready in case of a fire emergency.
Steps to take for wildfire preparedness:
Get Ready
- Sign up for local emergency alerts. Teton County’s free subscription-based alerting system is called Teton_WY Alerts.
- Put together a personal or family emergency plan.
- Assemble an emergency supply kit for each person in the household.
- Fill-out a family communications plan that includes important evacuation and contact information.
- Ensure financial preparedness, gather financial and critical personal, household and medical information.
Get Set
- Review the personal emergency plan with everyone in the household.
- Follow Teton Interagency Fire at Tetonfires.com and stay updated on local weather conditions at the National Weather Service – Riverton website.
- Local and regional fire information can be found at InciWeb.
- Stay close to the home and be prepared to take protective actions like evacuation or shelter in place. When leaving the home due to a fire emergency, do not assume it will be possible to return.
- Consider evacuation if have pets, livestock or if anyone requires extra time or has mobility issues.
- Alert family, neighbors and elderly, while staying updated on shelters, roads, weather and fire.
- Make preparations inside and outside of the home and property if there is time.
GO!
- Evacuate early. Leaving early gives the family the best chance of surviving the incident. This also allows emergency personnel to respond to the incident more effectively and bring it to a resolution more quickly. Leave early to avoid being caught in the approaching incident or road congestion.
- If advised to leave, don’t hesitate. If in danger, do not wait to leave. Notifications don’t always get to everyone and notification systems can be impacted by the disaster.
- When leaving, head to a predetermined location or as directed by officials.
- Have several routes planned in case one route is blocked. Choose an escape route away from the incident. Stay informed on current road status, closures and hazards.
- Take an emergency supply kit containing the family’s and pet’s medications and necessary items.
