Plans in place for subdivision evacuation

Sisters residents living in the Crossroads or Tollgate subdivisions can rest assured that they will be well informed during a fire emergency.

The recent Cache Mountain fire gave area residents a wake-up call about preparedness and the homeowners associations of both subdivisions were right on top of things.

All fire exits from the subdivisions were open. Updates and information were posted in Crossroads at the notice board near the entrance and were also on the answer phone of Property Owners Association Chair Doreen Fisher.

Betty Fadeley, manager of the Tollgate Homeowners Association, said that Tollgate information was posted at the mailboxes near the community center.

Deschutes County Emergency Services has prepared a draft copy of evacuation procedures for forest subdivisions. It cautions that because no two evacuations are alike, the guideline sequence may vary.

As soon as fire or police officials determine that evacuation is unavoidable, Deschutes County 911 will be asked to activate the Emergency Preparedness Network. This system calls all the phones in the area with a message including instructions to follow for the evacuation.

Questions must not be referred back to the 911 system.

Radios should be tuned to a local station for additional instructions and information about the incident.

Law enforcement agencies will drive through the sub-division with a high-low siren going to alert residents that an evacuation is occurring. This process begins in the area closest to the incident.

Law enforcement and Search and Rescue personnel will begin going through neighborhoods door-to-door to make sure everyone is notified and evacuated. Those choosing to stay will be asked to provide the Search and Rescue team with contact information for next-of-kin.

Again, this process begins in the area closest to the threat.

Evacuation will take place through exits that are least likely to be affected by the incident.

Information will be provided on where to evacuate. The Red Cross will set up a shelter; residents are asked to check in with the Red Cross even if they are not staying at the shelter so that inquiring family members may get in contact.

Residents of both subdivisions should make themselves aware of the location of the nearest fire exits.

Pets need to be remembered too, with food and carry cages ready.