Sun City Anthem 

 Emergency Preparedness

Service Group

Evacuation

Evacuation Preparedness

      There are many situations that may require people to leave their residence or work place in a short amount of time, and with limited belongings. Wildfires, power loss, chemical/gas leak, or active shooter in-hiding situation are just a few examples – which have happened or are likely to happen in the Las Vegas area. Even when the threat may not seem close, things can change quickly in emergency situations, and in a large, wide-spread event, professional responders and emergency organizations may be overwhelmed.


Below you will find basic recommendations and links for evacuation preparedness.

General Preparedness for Possible Evacuation - What to do now

  • Have a To-Go-Bag (please scroll down for more information on this topic)
  • Learn how to operate the garage door in case of power loss
  • Learn how to turn off utilities (if necessary, or directed to do so)
  • Learn how to limit air intake to your house, and consider air purification unit(s)
  • Print a copy of your main contacts with their phone numbers, and addresses (in case you don't have your phone or deplete battery)
  • Obtain printed maps, or print maps of local area in case you need to take alternative roads
  • Make a habit of placing your car/house keys, wallet/purse/ID, in the same place, by the door (so you don't have to look for them last minute)
  • Scan/upload copies of important documents to the cloud, or save to a flash drive, or email to yourself/or trusted loved ones (make sure all these documents are password protected with not-so-easy-to-guess passwords)
  • Contact friends/loved ones -away from the danger- you may go stay with for a while and check to see if they are at home/available
  • Do not let your gas tank or car battery charge go less than 50%
  • Sign up for emergency alerts from local authorities and SCA
  • Take photos or make video of each room, and important belongings at your home. Upload this information to the cloud and/or save to a thumb drive with other important documents, preferably with a copy in a separate location
  • Consider a fire-proof safe for important documents and personal items.

Where to Get Information - during Possible Danger

While there may seem to be a lot of information on general social media, RELIABLE LOCAL sources are always the best source of information in an emergency. It is best to save/bookmark these channels before an emergency:

  • Follow local authorities' (City of Las Vegas, City of Henderson, Clark County, Henderson Fire Department, Henderson Police Department etc.) alerts, websites, and social media
  • Watch for updates on local news channels (TV/Radio), and their websites/social media
  • Keep your cellphone and other communication devices charged, and powered on as you would be getting alerts in an emergency (similar to Amber alerts)
  • Stay in touch with your Neighborhood Watch contacts
  • Make sure you are signed up for Emergency Alerts from SCA
  • If anyone you don't know comes to your house claiming to bring information or to help, check uniforms, ID, credentials etc. before you open the door
  • Remember that texting maybe easier than voice calls, it uses less bandwidth and battery


IMPORTANT:


  • You do not have to wait for evacuation alerts to leave your residence or work place. If at any time, you feel threatened by approaching danger, (unless law enforcement has directed for "Shelter-in-Place") plan your route, secure your home, take your To-Go-Bag, and leave.
  • When the danger is not in your immediate area, and while you're gathering information, and preparing, you may not want to leave your house, and/or stores may be closed. You may also be directed to shelter in place while authorities gather information. Make sure to have an Emergency (Shelter-In-Place) Kit  to survive at home at least 3-7 days. If you can, take this with you (for ex. in the car) when you evacuate.

Prepare a To-Go-Bag - NOW

    To start, pick a medium size sturdy bag and place it in an easily accessible place making sure:

   1. It is not exposed to extreme temperatures (garage may be ok in the winter, but probably not in the summer)

   2. It is not blocked or hindered by any items - in case you have to grab and go 

   Based on your physical condition, the bag can be a backpack, duffel bag, or a small rolling bag - big enough to carry basics, but also light enough to carry in case you need to abandon your car and walk

      Scroll down this page for a list of what to put in a basic To-Go Bag. Please note everyone's situation is different, so consider medical conditions, kids, pets, etc.

Basics

  • Water
  • Electrolyte powder
  • Non-perishable food
  • Utensils
  • Manual can opener
  • Sunscreen/sunglasses
  • Medications/glasses
  • Face masks (preferably N95 or KN95; consider P100 if you are in close proximity to fire/chemicals*)
  • Flashlights
  • Portable AM/FM Radio
  • Chargers/batteries for portable devices
  • First Aid Kit
  • Moist towelettes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Small garbage bags & plastic ties (can be used for sanitation)
  • Duct tape

To-Go-Bag Item List

Personal Items

  • Important documents:
  • ID/Passports
  • Birth Certificates
  • Credit cards
  • Printed copy of important contacts with phone numbers/addresses
  • Several days' worth of comfortable clothing, including:
  • Jackets/coats,
  • Hats
  • Underwear/Socks
  • Sturdy close toed-shoes
  • Sandals
  • Comfort items to pass time such as:
  • Books/Games
  • Crayons & notepad
  • Computer/tablet with:
  • Scanned/uploaded copies of important documents
  • Password protected
  • Cash - including small denominations

Consider:

  • In the car:
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Small fire extinguisher
  • Extra Water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Personal items
  • Pictures
  • Unique emotional value items
  • Printed local maps
  • Printed list of shelters
  • Pets
  • Food, water
  • Bedding/towels/toys
  • Leashes and identification
  • Vaccination records


* P100 Masks make it harder to breathe, so, especially  if you have any respiratory/heart conditions or concerns, you may find it very limiting to operate with these type of mask.

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