Wildland Evacuation Plan
provided by the CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
For Tuolumne County
Last fire season was the worst in California since 1977. The two major fires in our area were the North Mountain Fire and the Telegraph Fire.
Evacuation Orders
When an evacuation is ordered your life and safety should be your primary concern. Quick compliance to an evacuation order is critical. Evacuations save lives and allow responding personnel to focus on the emergency. Please evacuate promptly when requested!
Evacuation Notifications
Residents will be advised of potential hazards and the possibility of evacuation. Residents should prepare for the following alternatives and will be given instructions as to travel routes and safe locations. The different types of evacuation notices are as follows:
Evacuation Advisory
Issued to the media to alert the public to potential evacuation orders. The advisory will contain general information on how to prepare for an evacuation.
Evacuation Warning
Issued when an evacuation order is eminent. It includes the specific geographical area that may be evacuated and procedures to follow.
Evacuation Order
Issued when there is an immediate threat to life and/or property. The evacuation order contains specific geographic areas to be evacuated and procedures to be followed.
Citizens will be Notified
Local Radio Stations
During an emergency situation there are several places to find information regarding the status of the emergency, evacuations and emergency shelters. Emergency information will be given on local radio stations. Residents are encouraged to listen to one of the following radio stations during an emergency:
- KVML - AM 1450 MHz
- KKBN - FM 93.5 MHz
- KZSQ - FM 92.7 MHz
During any type of emergency the Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services (OES) citizen information lines are activated: 209-533-6981 or 209-533-6982
Tuolumne County Sheriff's Department non-emergency telephone numbers are: 209-533-5815 routine or Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies only
To monitor the Cal Fire Tuolumne/Calaveras radio dispatch frequency: 151.175 MHz Radio Scanner
To monitor the TCARES repeater at:
147.945 MHz (CTCSS 100, -600) Ham Radio
Web Sites
Local fire information may be obtained at Mother Lode Internet. Local wildfire news items are updated frequently.
Monitor Tuolumne/Calaveras County emergency services for local fire radio traffic via the Internet at Mother Lode Internet_Fire Info.
Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services web site provides local information concerning wildfires, flooding, and other emergencies.Cal Fire Major Fire Incidents web site gives statewide information on current fires and their status.
California Office of Emergency Services (OES) web site give information on large-scale emergency services.Stanislaus National Forest Fire Information web site for fire status information on Pacific Southwest Region including Stanislaus National Forest.
GoMAC Wildland Fire Support web site provides geospatial multi-agency coordination wildfire mapping of current fires.
Emergency Notification System
Groveland Community Services District has an automated emergency notification system in place. In an emergency this system will dial all 962 prefix numbers in the database and residents will be given instructions about what to do.
If Evacuation is a Possibility
- Locate your Evacuation Checklist and assemble the items on it. PLACE THEM IN YOUR VEHICLE.
- Park your vehicle facing outward and keep your keys with you.
- Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
- Prepare farm animals for transport.
- Place connected garden hoses and buckets full of water around the house.
- Assemble fire fighting tools near an outside door (shovel, rake, hoe).
- Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.
- Close shutters and heavy drapes.
- Cover-up. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, heavy shoes/boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses. 100% cotton clothing is preferable
- Leave your electricity on and turn lights on in several rooms. This will make the house more visible in heavy smoke.
- Leave windows closed and the air conditioning off.
- Leave the door unlocked.
- Shut off liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas valves.
Evacuation Process
- Officials will determine the areas to be evacuated and the routes to use depending upon the fire's location, behavior, winds, terrain, etc.
- Law enforcement agencies are typically responsible for enforcing an evacuation order. Follow their directions promptly!
- You will be advised of potential evacuations as early as possible. You must take the initiative to stay informed and aware. Listen to your radio/TV and for announcements from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
- You may be directed to temporary assembly areas to await transfer to a safe location.
- When heavy smoke reduces visibility, movement may be restricted only to escorted convoys.
Primary Travel Routes
Be prepared to be directed by law enforcement or traffic control personnel. You must follow their directions. Know the primary travel routes, east and west bound on Highway 120, Priest Coulterville Road, Highway 132 and Wards Ferry Road, in advance so you will be prepared in an actual emergency. Remember to listen to the radio for updated information.
Sheltering Options
Shelter in Place
This would be for a low intensity fire where the structures have a good clearance and are made of fire resistant materials and the Fire Department feels it is safe to stay in your home.
Safety Zones
Temporary holding areas for smaller groups of people that provide a safe haven until shelter locations can be established. These locations are distributed throughout the community to provide some areas that are a relatively short distance from their homes. A map of established safety zones and a list describing their location is attached. Not all safety zones may be available based on the location of the fire.
Shelters
Red Cross establishes shelters for the immediate and short term housing and care of evacuated residents.
Alternative Locations
Residents who do not wish to use Red Cross shelters should consider determining in advance alternative housing locations. If you choose not to go to a Red Cross Shelter, you are advised to contact the Red Cross to provide information about your location, in the event of family or friends trying to find you.
Planning Your Escape Route
The direction of your escape will be dictated by the location of the fire in relation to your home. The concepts listed under Primary Travel Routes will help you determine the safest travel route. Please do not block the travel route of the fire department. You will be directed by law enforcement or traffic control personnel in an actual emergency evacuation.
If You Become Trapped
While in your vehicles:
- Stay Calm
- Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation
- Close all vehicle windows and vents
- Cover yourself with wool blanket or jacket
- Lie on vehicle floor
- Use your cell phone to advise officials - 911
While on foot:
- Stay calm
- Go to an area clear of vegetation, a ditch or depression if possible
- Lie face down, cover up
- Use your cell phone to advise officials - 911
While in your home
- Stay calm, keep your family together
- Call 911 and inform authorities of your location
- Fill sinks and tubs with cold water
- Keep doors and windows closed, but UNLOCKED
- Stay inside your house
- Stay away from outside walls and windows
- Note - it will get hot in the house, but it is much hotter, and more dangerous outside.
After the fire passes, and if it is safe, check the following areas for fire:
- The roof and house exterior
- Under decks and inside your attic
- Your yard for burning trees, woodpiles, etc.
Returning Home
Fire officials will determine when it is safe for you to return to your home. This will be done as soon as possible considering safety and accessibility.
When you do return home:
- Be alert for downed power lines and other hazards.
- Check propane tanks, regulators, and lines before turning gas on.
- Check your residence carefully for hidden embers or smoldering fires.
Preparedness: Long Before A Fire Threatens
Create and Maintain:
- A Defensible Space around your home and other structures on your property.
- Be involved in fire safe planning in your community.
Prepare an Evacuation Checklist and Organize:
- Critical medications
- Important personal papers, photos
- Essential valuables
- Pet and livestock transport, limited amount of pet food
- Change of clothing, toiletries
- Cell phone
- Critical papers and effects in a fireproof safe
- An Evacuation Route May with at lest two routes (During an evacuation law enforcement/emergency personnel may determine your route)
- Drive your planned route of escape before an actual emergency
Tips from Tuolumne County Animal Control 209-984-1338
Preparedness for Pets:
Have a disaster plan for your pets. Keep up-to-date identification, vaccination/medical records, and registration papers on your pet. Have a current color photograph of your pet showing any distinguishing markings. This will help you identify your pet if you become separated.
Your animal's best protection is to be with you. But remember, taking your pet requires special planning:
- Locate a safe place for your pets before a disaster strikes. Evacuation shelters generally will not accept animals.
- Call hotels and motels in your immediate area and a reasonable distance from your home. Ask whether they accept pets and whether there are restrictions as to the size or number of animals.
- Call boarding kennels and veterinarians with boarding facilities. Ask about their ability to house animals in case of emergency and/or disaster.
- Ask friends or family member whether they will provide foster care for your pets.
Note: Some animals shelters will provide temporary foster care for owned pets in times of disaster, but this should be considered only as a last resort.
Disaster supplies for your pet should include:
- Portable carrier (essential for cats)
- Food and water bowls
- supply of food and water in plastic bottles
- litter and litter box for cats
- Supply of pet's regular medications
- First aid kit
- Health records, including vaccination records
- Instructions on your pet's feeding schedule and diet
- Leashes
If a disaster is imminent, bring your pet inside immediately. Control your animal with a leash or inside a carrier. Do not leave your pets behind. Pets are not allowed at Red Cross shelters so plan ahead for a safe temporary home for your pet.
If You Must Leave Your Pet Behind
Leaving your pet at home alone will place your animal at greater risk for injury or loss, so make every effort to take your pet with you. If you have no alternative but to leave your pet behind, there are some precautions you must take:
- Give your pet access to a safe, secure room without windows but with adequate ventilation, such as a bathroom.
- Leave enough food for at least three days (ask your veterinarian ahead of time what is best for your pet). A sufficient supply of water is critical. One animal can easily drink several gallons of water a day while under stress. Place water in containers that are not easily knocked over, and leave a faucet dripping into a bathtub or sink with an open drain. If you expect flooding, provide access to elevated spaces or counters. Leave familiar bedding and safe toys.
- Do not confine dogs and cats in the same space. Keep small animals and birds safely caged.
- Make sure your pets are wearing proper identification (a collar and a tag). Never leave a dog tied outside!
- Place a notice on your front door advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a telephone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet.
- If you have a bird, leave food in dispensers that regulate the amount of food and supply extra water. Birds must eat daily to survive. Secure cages so they will not swing or fall. Cover the cage with a thin cloth or sheet to provide security and filtered light.
Preparedness for Livestock
During a wildland fire, local animal rescue organizations work with law enforcement and fire departments to rescue as many animals as they can. In battling a wildfire, firefighters will do what they can but they are not responsible for evacuating your livestock. Firefighters may cut fences or open gates to free trapped animals.
- Evacuate livestock whenever possible. Arrangements for evacuations, including routes and host sites, should be made in advance. Alternate routes should be mapped out in case the planned route is inaccessible.
- The evacuation sites should have or be ready to obtain food, water, veterinary care, handling equipment and proper facilities.
- Trucks, trailers, and other vehicles suitable for transporting livestock (appropriate for transporting each specific type of animal) should be available along with experienced handlers and drivers to transport them. Whenever possible, the animals should be accustomed to these vehicles in advance so they will be less frightened and easier to move.
- Livestock Disaster Preparedness Kit: Up-to-date identification, vaccination/medical records, and registration papers. Current color photograph showing any distinguishing markings. This will help you show proof of ownership of your animal. Hay, feed and water for three days, non-nylon leads and halters, first aid items, wire cutter and sharp knife, hoof pick, leg wraps, shovel, water buckets, plastic trash barrel with lid, portable radio with extra batteries, and flashlights.
- If evacuation is not possible, a decision must be made whether to move large animals to available shelter or turn them outside. This decision should be made based on the type of disaster and the soundness and location of the shelter or structure.
- All animals should have some form of identification that will help facilitate their return.
- If you must leave your animals, leave them in a pre selected, cleared area. Leave enough hay for 48-72 hours. Do not rely on automatic watering systems because power may be lost.
Your disaster plan should include a list of emergency phone numbers for local agencies that can assist you if disaster strikes - including your veterinarian, state veterinarian, local animal shelter, animal control, county extension service and the American Red Cross. These numbers should be kept with your disaster kit in a secure, but easily accessible place.
The Law
Whenever a menace to the public health or safety is created by a calamity such as flood, storm, fire, earthquake, explosion, accident, or other disaster, officers of the law may close the area where the menace exists. [Penal Code 409. 5(a)]
Any unauthorized person who willfully and knowingly enters an area that has been closed and who willfully remains within the area after receiving notice to evacuate or leave shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. [Penal Code 409.5(c)]