When you receive an evacuation alert, you might be asking yourself, what is the difference between voluntary and mandatory evacuation? If the alert says to voluntarily evacuate, this means evacuate now if you are concerned for your safety, if you know you need additional time to exit the area, if you have large animals needing extra time to move out of the area, or if you have any heath conditions that may be aggravated by the incident.

During voluntary evacuations, home and property owners are allowed into these areas only if it is safe to do so and with proper credentials or proof of residency/ownership.

If the alert says to mandatorily evacuate, this means you are ordered to leave due to an imminent or immediate threat. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business. Take your critical items and domestic animals and immediately leave the area.

No access is allowed in these areas after an evacuation order.

You should never wait for an alert to evacuate. If you feel unsafe evacuate your home!