3. Emergency evacuations policy revision

This is a warning that an imminent threat to life and property exists and individuals MUST evacuate in accordance with the instructions of local officials. This will be issued for immediate threats with an anticipated timeframe of zero to six hours. Notifications will be routed through all available means including warning sirens, door -to -door notification, CodeRED, and media outlets. A mandatory evacuation may target vulnerable populations such as nursing home residents or hospital patients as well as populations in specific geographical locations. Individuals who choose not to evacuate need to be prepared to accept the consequences of limited or no access to food, water, or basic services for an extended period of time. In addition, people must understand that rescues into areas previously evacuated may not be timely or possible. Evacuation Warning System The decision to evacuate will be communicated to the public through a variety of means via the Cass County Warning System described in detail in Volume II of the Cass County Emergency Operations Plan. This system includes sirens, the National Weather Radio, the Emergency Alert System (EAS), CodeRED, and Law Enforcement Fire PA systems. Evacuation messages will also be communicated through local media announcements issued through the incident commander, the EOC or the office of Cass County Emergency Management. In addition, the Incident Commander EOC will utilize the Task Coordinators for Special Needs Populations to activate their client warning systems as described in Evacuation Roles and Responsibilities section of this annex. These warning systems include activation of building evacuation notification systems for residential facilities. For special needs individuals living independently, staff and volunteers from those agencies will be requested to make phone calls to their clients. Evacuation Public Information Prior to the need to evacuate and on an ongoing basis, the Cass Fargo Emergency Management office will utilize the media, public presentations and other formats including newspapers, water bills, cable access to encourage preplanning for self evacuation to minimize the use of public safety community resources and minimize disruption and panic during an emergency situation. The Cass County Evacuation Map is listed on the Cass County Emergency Management Web Site. The Incident Commander, the PIO, or the JIC EOC will communicate evacuation information and direction through the local media. The PIO will provide periodic regular media updates throughout the evacuation process including updated route and traffic congestion information. Detailed information about the PIO function and responsibilities is contained in the Task Coordinators section of the Cass County EOP. The media contact list is maintained through the Cass Fargo Emergency Management office and the office of the County Administrator. Special Needs Population 5