Evacuation

In the event of an emergency, you and your family should be prepared for possible evacuations. Having a plan is important! Know what you need to take, how to secure your home, and evacuation routes to take, before an evacuation order is issued. By pre-identifying these steps, you and your family will be better prepared when disaster strikes. 

Below are a few documents to help prepare you and your family for evacuations:

Fire Evacuation Checklist (PDF)
Before and During an Evacuation (PDF)

Before/During an Evacuation

In Wyoming, the Sheriff's Office determines evacuations based on the occurring incident. This is often due to a wildfire threating homes/ community. The Emergency Management Agency works closely with the Sheriff's Office when this occurs and assists with coordinating/ public information. In Albany County, we use the two terms listed below when evacuations are or could occur.

Pre-Evacuation Notice

Pre-Evacuation is defined as an area anticipating evacuation. These warnings are typically issued 24-48 hours or longer before an evacuation notice is expected. Citizens living within the pre-evacuation area should be prepared for evacuation. This includes:

• Having a heightened awareness of fire potential including weather

• Gathering belongings that you want to take if an evacuation occurs such as medicine, clothes, important documents/ items, and anything else you may need. Remember that after you evacuate, it may be days or even weeks before you return.

• Prepare inside and outside your home.

• Stay informed! Check the local media sources for trusted information and Inciweb.nwcg.org.

• Prepare to evacuate pets and livestock. If you have to, know where you will evacuate them to and have supplies ready to take.

Mandatory Evacuation Order

When an evacuation order is issued, citizens should leave their homes/ area as soon as possible. In most cases, citizens should already be prepared to evacuate, if they were under a pre-evacuation. Immediate evacuation might be necessary without a pre-evacuation notice in place such as for HAZMAT incidents or flooding.

• Act early, to avoid being caught by fire, smoke, or road congestion. You do not have to wait until an evacuation order is called! If you feel like your life is in danger, leave!

• Follow instructions by local authorities including evacuation routes.

• Take your emergency supplies, belongings, and other items with you.

• Know where you are going. If you need housing, check the EMA website/ social media for information.

• Stay informed during evacuations! Follow local authorities’ websites or social media.

Pet and Livestock Evacuations

If an evacuation order is put in place for your area, it is important to take your pets and livestock with you as re-entry will not be permitted until the area has been deemed safe. Having a plan in place before an emergency or disaster strikes will greatly reduce the stress on both you and your animals. Pre-determine transportation and an appropriate location to take your animals if they cannot stay with you. Make sure that you have at least a one-week supply of food and clean water, any medications that your animals may need, identification, ownership paperwork and/or photos of you and your animals. For small animals bring collars, leashes, crates, pet carriers, familiar toys, and bedding. For horses be sure to have halters and lead ropes

If you do not have the means or time to safely evacuate your animals/livestock, contact Emergency Management for assistance. 

Albany County Emergency Management (307) 721-1815