12-county "Ready, Set, Go!" evacuation campaign urges communities to prepare for wildfire
A dozen Western Washington counties and the Suquamish Tribe are joining first responder partners to highlight the importance of "Ready, Set, Go!" evacuation messages as another wildfire season approaches.
Emergency managers in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, Thurston, Kitsap, Whatcom, Skagit, Island, Clallam, Grays Harbor, and Jefferson counties, as well as the Suquamish Tribe, are all working together to promote the regional "Ready, Set, Go!" evacuation campaign. This campaign shares clear, straightforward messages intended to save lives as people prepare to evacuate.
The risk of wildfires on the west side of the Cascades has grown due to climate change. Wildfire is now an annual threat in Western Washington. The "Ready, Set, Go!" evacuation campaign simplifies informing the public on how to respond to the three levels of evacuation guidance (traditionally Levels 1, 2, and 3), and prepares them on actions they should take at each level when alerted by authorities.
This evacuation program is intended for all hazards, not just wildfires.
Key Components of the Campaign
- "Ready" Phase: Start preparing for possible evacuation (Level 1). Be aware of the danger in your area, monitor local media, and check on neighbors. If you do not already have an evacuation plan or a Go! kit, assemble these now. Conditions can change suddenly, and you may not receive a Level 2 "Be Set" warning before you are ordered to Level 3 "Go!" Prepare both the inside and outside of your home for fire. Leave if you feel unsafe - do not wait for an official evacuation order.
- "Set" Phase: Short notice evacuation likely in your area (Level 2). Be prepared for sudden evacuation. People who need help or more time to evacuate - people with disabilities, people with small children, people with medical conditions and people with large animals - should evacuate now. Ensure your evacuation plan checklist is complete and your Go! kit is in your vehicle. Stay informed and be aware of alerts from local law enforcement and fire departments. Always remember to leave if you feel unsafe, do not wait for an official evacuation order.
- "Go" Phase: Evacuate immediately from your area (Level 3). Go now! Danger in your area is current or imminent. Follow directions from law enforcement or fire departments and do not return home until officials have determined it is safe. A notification that it is safe to return home will be given as soon as possible.
The "Ready, Set, Go!" evacuation campaign is a testament to the power of collaboration. By bringing together the expertise of multiple counties, emergency response agencies, and community organizations, the campaign can create a more resilient and informed population.
Residents of "Ready, Set, Go!" communities are encouraged to participate actively in the evacuation campaign. By preparing their homes, accessing informational materials, and staying informed about local emergency updates, individuals can play a vital role in enhancing safety and preparedness.
Quotes
"Disasters are becoming increasingly complex, from urban firestorms to major flooding due to rising sea levels and changing weather patterns. The potential for our community members to take protective actions has never been higher. Residents are on the frontlines with our emergency responders when it comes to keeping each other safe. 'Ready, Set, Go!' is for all of us. Learn it today and share it with others!"
Jan Glarum, Director, Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management
"The collaboration across counties for consistent evacuation messaging became clear during the Bolt Creek fire when King County shared the response with Snohomish County. We are proud to be one of the initiators of this Western Washington effort."
Brendan McCluskey, Director, King County Emergency Management
"There is a great deal of change happening just now across the U.S. regarding managing risks from emergencies, including wildfires. But this isn't changing: It pays to know 'Ready, Set, Go!' More communities around Puget Sound and elsewhere in Western Washington are adopting these simple, easy-to-understand messages because they work when minutes matter."
Lucia Schmit, Director, Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management
"Pierce County, like other counties in Western Washington, is experiencing urban wildfires each year that impact people and property. The 'Ready, Set, Go!' messaging during an emergency will help residents prepare their families and pets for a wildfire evacuation. Once you know what to do at each of the three levels, you will be prepared for other emergencies such as flooding, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. This is especially true for Pierce County since we have Mount Rainier in our front yards."
Arel Solie, Director, Pierce County Department of Emergency Management
"By following the 'Ready, Set, Go!' wildland fire response model, we strengthen our ability to protect our Elders, children, and most vulnerable community members, ensuring their safety as fire threats continue to grow."
Cherrie May, Manager, Suquamish Tribe Office of Emergency Management
"In Thurston County, we take care of each other, and that means being ready before wildfires threaten our homes and communities. The 'Ready, Set, Go!' evacuation campaign helps our community understand what to do at every single stage of an evacuation. When we're all prepared, we can act quickly, protect our loved ones, and support our neighbors. Together, we can face wildfire season with confidence and care."
Kyle Bustad, Thurston County Emergency Manager
"Disasters come in many forms - wildfire, floods, earthquakes - and being ready can make all the difference. 'Ready, Set, Go!' helps our community prepare, stay alert, and act quickly when it matters most."
Julie de Losada, Chief, Skagit County Emergency Management
"As we have seen from countless wildfires around the country, it is important that evacuation is coordinated quickly and in an efficient manner. This is particularly true living on islands with limited routes away from danger. Knowing what to do when fire is near will reduce panic and save lives. 'Ready, Set, Go!' is an easy way to educate the community on preparing for wildfire evacuation. It is an essential part of our protection plan for keeping community safe."
Eric Brooks, Director, Island County Department of Emergency Management
"'Ready, Set, Go!' continues to be the best program for quickly communicating what the public needs to do during times of crisis in easy-to-understand language. Having the same message for disaster response locally and across most of the state means that when visitors come to enjoy the beauty and outdoor recreation here in Whatcom County this summer, it's more likely they'll know what to do if they get an alert."
Matt Klein, Director, Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management
"The simpler we make the evacuation process for our communities, the more lives we can potentially save. The 'Ready, Set, Go!' approach draws on a concept we learned back in elementary school, making it easier to understand and follow during high-stress situations when clear thinking is difficult."
Lorraine Shore, Emergency Manager, Clallam County Sheriff's Office
"Knowing what to do before the need can be a life-saving step. Regularly reviewing the three evacuation levels - GET READY, GET SET, GO - with all members of your family as well as the people you work with can help create muscle memory making it possible, when the need arises, to follow the three evacuation level steps without hesitation."
Willie Bence, Director, Jefferson County Emergency Management
"The 'Ready, Set, Go!' approach to evacuations is extremely important because it helps people know exactly what to do in an emergency. Whether you are visiting the beautiful beaches of Grays Harbor County or the tree-lined trails of the Cascade foothills, the messaging on evacuation levels is the same in each county. Working with other counties across the state on the same, consistent messaging makes the whole area stronger and more prepared."
Hannah Cleverly, Deputy Director, Grays Harbor County Emergency Management
"The 'Ready, Set, Go!' campaign offers a simple message for all types of emergencies. Whether it's wildfire, flooding, or any other hazard, this approach ensures residents know what to do and when to act - because preparation saves lives. It uses plain, accessible language that makes it easy for everyone to understand - whether you're a longtime resident or someone new to the area, including those for whom English is a second language."
Dave Fuller, Director, Clark (County) Regional Services Agency, CRESA
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Media contacts
Sheri Badger, King County Emergency Management, 206-205-4031 [email protected]
Scott North, Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management, 425-388-5373 [email protected]
Mike Halliday, Pierce County Department of Emergency Management, 253-244-8766 [email protected]
Cherie Carey, Thurston County Emergency Management, 360-239-1282 [email protected]
Amy Cloud, Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management, 360-318-3768 [email protected]
Dave Rasmussen, Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management, 360-307-4354 [email protected]
Jenn Rogers, Skagit County, 360-416-1309 [email protected]
Keven Graves, Island County, 360-240-5585 [email protected]
Andrew Hahn, Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA), 360-607-0628 [email protected]
Justine Chorley, Clallam County Sheriff's Office, 360-417-2525 [email protected]
Jon Anderson, Suquamish Tribe, 360-394-7102 [email protected]
Hannah Cleverly, Grays Harbor Emergency Management, 360-249-3911 [email protected]
Keppie Keplinger, Jefferson County Emergency Management, 360-344-9786, [email protected]
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