El Dorado County Sheriff

Office of Emergency Services

Evacuation Procedures

Before An Evacuation

Being attentive, planning ahead, and monitoring El Dorado County Sheriff’s social media are critical to being prepared for an evacuation.

1. Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

  • El Dorado County Emergency Alert powered by RAVE: Register for the RAVE to receive critical notifications about Evacuation Warnings, Evacuation Orders, and other emergency updates. Alerts are sent via text, email, and/or phone.
  • Visit PerimeterMap.com during an emergency. Enable locations services or enter your address in the search field to see Evacuation Warnings and Evacuation Orders. Road closures, evacuation routes, and shelter locations may also be shown.

2. Prepare Your Vehicle

  • Keep Your Tank Full: During emergencies, gas stations may run out of fuel, and power outages can shut down pumps. Always keep your gas tank at least half full.
  • Emergency Car Kit: Include a flashlight, first aid supplies, blankets, water, a phone charger, and a basic toolkit in your car at all times.

3. Plan Your Evacuation Routes

  • Know Multiple Routes: Identify at least two ways out of your neighborhood and map out routes to safer areas. Keep physical maps in case GPS is down.
  • Designate a Meeting Place: Pick a location outside of your immediate area where family members can meet if separated.
  • Pet Evacuation Plan: Make sure your pets are part of your plan. Identify pet-friendly shelters in advance. Talk to El Dorado County Animal Shelter about options.

4. Pack Your Emergency Kit

  • Go Bag: Prepare a kit for each family member with essentials.
  • Important documents like IDs, insurance policies, and bank information.
  • Non-perishable food, water, and cash.
  • Flashlight, radio, and extra batteries.

5. Stay Informed

  • Know your Shelter Options – Sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, where you work or other location when other emergencies arise.
  • Monitor local news stations, weather reports, and emergency apps for updates on potential evacuation notices. bad information and false reports can create a hazard for community members and first responders. Stay informed and only share evacuation information from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency.

El Dorado County Facebook

Placerville Police Department Facebook

South Lake Tahoe Police Department Facebook

California Highway Patrol – Placerville Facebook

El Dorado County Fire Protection District Facebook

El Dorado Hills Fire Department Facebook

Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Facebook

U.S Forest Service – El Dorado National Forest Facebook

During An Evacuation

When an Evacuation Order is issued, act immediately. Leaving early can help avoid road congestion and increase your chances of reaching safety without delay. Late evacuations contribute to traffic jams and put you, your neighbors, and first responders at risk.

1. Follow Evacuation Orders

  • Don’t Hesitate: If authorities tell you to evacuate, do so immediately. Delaying can put you and emergency responders at greater risk.
  • Stay Updated: Use El Dorado County’s Emergency Alerts and check PerimeterMap.com to track the situation. Roads may close quickly, so follow the safest, open route.
  • Take Your Go Bag: Grab your pre-packed go bags and emergency supplies. Don’t forget any special items for children, pets, or elderly family members.

2. Evacuate Safely

  • Stick to Designated Routes: Follow evacuation routes recommended by authorities, as roads not designed for evacuation may be congested or dangerous.
  • Drive Cautiously: Conditions may be hazardous. If smoke or heavy rain reduces visibility, drive with your headlights on and slow down.
  • Check on Neighbors: If it’s safe to do so, check on elderly or disabled neighbors who may need assistance evacuating.

3. Communicate Your Location

  • Text, Don’t Call: Cellular networks may be overloaded during an emergency. Text family and friends your evacuation plans and arrival once you’re in a safe location.
  • Family Emergency Contact: Notify your family’s designated out-of-town contact about your situation.

After An Evacuation

Once it is safe to return home, there are important steps to take to ensure your safety and begin the recovery process.

1. Wait for the All-Clear

2. Safely Return

  • Once you’re safe, let friends and family know that you are safe.
  • Charge devices and consider back-up batteries in case power outages continue.
  • Fill up your gas tank.
  • Bring supplies such as water and nonperishable food items.
  • Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage or connect it to your home’s electrical system.

3. Check Your Property Safely

  • Look for Hazards: Before entering your home, check for hazards like downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage. – Report any downed power lines to local authorities and stay away from them.
  • Smell for Gas: If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, evacuate immediately and call your gas provider.