3. Emergency evacuations policy revision

During a contained disaster emergency local law enforcement and fire departments will provide welfare check, search, rescue and evacuation services as resources allow. They may be assisted by health and engineering officials together with personnel from other local organizations. In an incident of a greater magnitude, the ability to conduct emergency search and rescue and evacuation may be limited compared to available fire and law enforcement personnel. Therefore it is recommended that community organizations and facilities that provide services and housing to the special needs community develop and maintain outreach, evacuation and shelter plans specific to the clients they serve. In addition, vulnerable people living independently should plan for assistance from relatives, neighbors, acquaintances, or community providers in developing and managing individual evacuation and shelter plans. Fargo Cass Public Health will maintain a list of those individuals registered under the Vulnerable Population Registry. Residential facilities housing special needs persons are encouraged to develop and maintain their own evacuation plans. These types of facilities include hospitals, in- patient treatment care facilities, group homes, correctional facilities. SNP facilities are expected to identify capacities to transport and move their residents to alternate shelter locations when required. Agencies who serve special needs individuals not in communal residential facilities are encouraged to develop an outreach capability to their clients that includes disaster preparedness planning information; supplemental warning methods (i.e. phone calling tree) evacuation transportation assistance; and "during and after" information about what to do. There could be cases where elderly, infirmed or disabled persons in the evacuation area will not be able to get to the assembly point or would need special type of transport. The EOC will make provisions for the use of government or volunteer vehicles to transport these individuals. The public will be instructed to notify Red River Regional Dispatch of any special transportation problems. All departments and agencies dealing with special needs populations will make every effort to be sensitive of their cultural and religious needs and practices. The following organizations are identified as Task Coordinators for special needs: 1. Fargo Cass Public Health- vulnerable population and medical facilities 2. Fargo Senior Commission elderly 3. Family Health Care Center refugee non English speaking 4. SE Human Services vulnerable population 5. Cass County Extension agricultural animals 6. DART pet animals Assembly Area During a disaster in a contained area, the Incident Commanders will direct individuals to evacuate to an assembly area. This directive is made to move individuals from a high risk area to a temporary gathering point until it is safe to return, or until transportation to a more permanent safe shelter location can be provided. If the potential evacuated population is of significant size, there could be many people without private transportation. Convenient centralized locations in the evacuation area, such as schools, senior centers, community centers and churches are identified as assembly areas in advance of an emergency. 6