Stay or go

Always follow instructions from local officials. If they tell you to leave, leave early. If the air outside is dangerous, they may tell you to stay in. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab) Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)

When to stay in (shelter in place)

• Stay in when the air outside may be dangerous, such as heavy debris or badly contaminated air. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
• Bring everyone inside, pets included. Close windows, vents, and fireplace dampers; turn off fans, air conditioning, and forced-air heat; and go to an interior room with few windows. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
• Stay put and listen for updates until officials say it's safe. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)

When to go (evacuate)

• If officials tell you to evacuate, go, and leave early enough to avoid being trapped. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
• Plan several destinations in different directions: a friend's or relative's home, a shelter, or a motel. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
• Keep at least half a tank of gas. No car? Plan now how you'll leave with family, friends, or local emergency management, and check whether neighbors need a ride. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
• If you're told to evacuate, your pets should evacuate too. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
• Many Utah fire agencies use three stages: Ready, Set, Go. The Alerts page explains each one. North Fork SSD (opens source in a new tab)

What to grab: the six P's

• People and pets; papers, phone numbers, and important documents; prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses; pictures and irreplaceable keepsakes; personal computer drives; and "plastic" (credit and debit cards) and cash. Colorado Springs Fire Department (opens source in a new tab)

Finding a shelter

• During a disaster, the FEMA app shows open shelters near you, or you can text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab) Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
• Red Cross shelters are free and open to anyone. You need only your name and your pre-disaster address, no ID, and all are accessible to people with disabilities. Red Cross (opens source in a new tab)
• Bring bedding, clothing, medications, your emergency kit, and a child's comfort item. Don't bring alcohol, drugs, or weapons. Red Cross (opens source in a new tab)
• Many public shelters and hotels don't allow pets, so plan a safe place for them ahead of time. The Red Cross tries to accommodate pets, sometimes at a separate site, and service animals are always welcome. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab) Red Cross (opens source in a new tab)

If you'll need help getting out

• Arrange a ride and a buddy now, and plan to leave at the first warning. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
• 211 Utah lists Utah's functional needs registry as operational, but the registry's old website now belongs to someone else. Call 2-1-1 to ask how to register, and tell your city or county emergency manager you'll need help. 211 Utah (opens source in a new tab)