SOP 206.11 EVACUATION AREA

In a variety of possible situations it may be necessary to evacuate an area of the city. This may include hazardous material emergencies, potential explosions, floods, major fires or similar situations. An evacuation of anything more than a single structure requires a coordinated effort between Fire and Police commanders at the scene to ensure that evacuation is rapid and complete without unnecessary duplication of effort. It requires a definite plan and a method of reporting progress.

IDENTIFICATION OF EVACUATION AREA

When evacuation of an area is indicated due to an imminent Physical Hazard (fire, explosion, toxic material, etc.) the limits of the evacuation area wil1 normally be determined by Fire Department Command at the scene in consultation with the Police Supervisor at the scene. The practical considerations of what resources are available and what degree of risk is involved will necessarily be factors in the determination of evacuation limits.

In cases involving other influences, when time is available, the evacuation may be more deliberately planned.

Example: Evacuation for a flood expected within six hours would be planned in the Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.), involving other departments and outside agencies.

The Police Department will b e responsible for securing the perimeter of the evacuation area, including traffic and pedestrian control.

The Fire Department will be responsible for assessment of the degree of danger and the need for evacuation and for the physical safety of personnel operating within the evacuation zone .

ORGANIZATION OF EVACUATION

Once the desired area of evacuation and the perimeter have been established, a plan is necessary to actually effect the desired evacuation. This will be dependent on the resources available, (Fire, Police, other agencies) and the type of situation. Personnel from one or several agencies may be involved in actually alerting citizens and assisting them to evacuate.

Establish a Command Po s t for both Police and Fire . The Mobile Command Vehicle is most suitable for this purpose. Utilize maps of the area to make assignments and report progress jointly to avoid duplication or omissions .

If it is infeasible to have the Police and Fire Command Posts together, liaison will have to be established (See POLICE LIAISON SECTOR, SOP 206.06).

Assign units or companies to evacuate specific objectives (a building ; a block, a street; etc . ) and report completion .

Assign Geographic Sectors to supervise operations .

Advise personnel if evacuees are to be directed to particular Evacuation Centers.

Use P.A. function on Electronic Sirens to alert citizens and door-to-door individual notification' Do not hesitate to make noise and attract attention if situation is urgent. P.A. capabilities on helicopters may also be used.

Start with areas in most immediate. danger first. Assign priorities following degree of risk.

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Any major evacuation will require and benefit from complete Public Information notification. A Public Information Sector must be assigned to communicate with radio and television stations as quickly as possible to explain. exactly what the situation is and what people involved should do. Radio and television stations will make special announcements when requested by the Public Information Sector or by Dispatch. These announcements can be made using the E.O.C. Cable-TV Interrupt.

Fire Alarm operators must also be informed of the situation to answer calls that can be expected from people wanting to verify information.

The Dispatcher should notify hospitals that may be effected by the situation.

EVACUATION CENTERS

In most situations it is desirable to have a location where evacuees can be directed. This should be a school , church or public facility where evacuees can gather and find temporary shelter in a safe location. This center should be located and identified as quickly as possible.

When a long-term evacuation (more than 2-3 hours) is anticipated, contact Red Cross to set-up a temporary shelter in a safe location. This is usually best accomplished at a school.

The Command Post must have direct communications with the Evacuation Center.

The Mayor or City Manager may order activation of the Emergency Operations Center in some situations involving large-scale evacuation. In this case the Command Post at the scene reports information to and may receive direction from the E.O.C.

REFERENCE: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN – Annex C

ADDITIONAL SITUATIONS

In addition to conventional evacuations, some situations may indicate different approaches.

Atmospheric Hazard. Some hazardous materials situations may pose a problem to persons exposed to outside air only. This may be caused by a wind-carried irritant vapor, or escaping gas. In this case the best alternative could be to advise people to stay indoors with windows closed and coolers shut down.

Advisory Notification. In some situations it may be necessary to notify citizens of a potential risk and suggest that they relocate for their own convenience.

Such a situation could occur when street flooding is expected, but no immediate threat to physical safety is indicated.