Ready, Set, Go!

Ready, Set, Go! is a nationwide program adopted by the 15 Arizona Sheriffs that educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency and actions to follow when communities are threatened.

The three steps encourage Arizonans to get READY by preparing now for what threatens their community, be SET by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to GO, evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening

 

Ready

Be aware of the hazards that can threaten your community.

Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats. 

  • Register with your county/tribal emergency notification system.
  • Connect with your local emergency management office, sheriff’s office and public health department  on social media.
  • Make a family evacuation and communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts and family meeting locations.
  • Build an emergency go kit with enough food, water and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours. Include supplies to help keep you and your family healthy, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Start with the five P’s; people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.
  • Check with your neighbors, family, friends and elders through video chats or phone calls to ensure they are READY.
  • Keep up to date on local news, weather watches, weather warnings and public health recommendations

SET

Know there is significant danger in your area.

  • Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area.
  • Grab your emergency go kit.
  • Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.
  • Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials.

This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO.

GO

  • Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area.
  • If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further.
  • Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas.

 

Know Your Zone

Preparing in advance for an evacuation can significantly speed up your response when the time comes. Being familiar with the steps to take and ready to act as soon as an evacuation warning or order is announced is crucial.

In times of evacuation warnings and confirmed evacuations, authorities emphasize the importance of residents being familiar with their specific evacuation zone. These zones are designated with a combination of letters and numbers, with the initial letters representing the name of the geographic area and further divided by numbers into smaller zones. It’s recommended to familiarize yourself with your particular zone by checking your address at genasys Protect. For more information and to find your zone visit: https://www.yavapaiready.gov/Resilience/Prepare/Know-Your-Zone

Emergency Notification Systems

Opt-in alerting systems are communication platforms that require individuals to proactively sign up or consent to receive messages or alerts from a specific sender. These systems are used to send targeted information to subscribers who have expressed interest in receiving updates, notifications, or alerts on various topics. Opt-in systems are common in both commercial and public sectors for different purposes:

  1. Commercial use: Businesses use opt-in alerting systems for marketing and promotional campaigns, sending special offers, product updates, or event information to customers who have subscribed to their messaging service.
  2. Public safety: Government agencies, public safety organizations, and municipalities employ opt-in alerting systems to send urgent public safety messages, emergency alerts, weather warnings, and other critical information to citizens who have chosen to be informed.
  3. Educational institutions: Schools and universities use these systems to communicate with students, parents, and staff about campus alerts, event notifications, and other relevant information.

Opt-in alerting systems are designed to respect user privacy and comply with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the United States. These regulations ensure that individuals have explicitly agreed to receive messages, preventing unsolicited communications. Users typically subscribe to these services through a website, text message, or application, and they can often customize the type of alerts they wish to receive, as well as opt-out or unsubscribe from the service at any time.

Emergency Notifications

Emergency Notifications are important messages sent to people who choose to sign up for them. When you opt in, you’ll get information about emergencies in your area, like evacuation notices and urgent advisories, helping you stay informed and safe. These alerts can reach you in several ways, including through apps on your smartphone, text messages, phone calls, and emails. This means you can get the information you need, the way you prefer to receive it.

It’s important to know that different systems have different features and when messages are sent is dependent on the agency’s procedures and policies.

These alerts depend on your internet or mobile network to reach you. During a big emergency, these networks might be busy or down, but the systems do their best to get the information to you.

Remember, these emergency alert systems use both government-run and private services to send you messages, so the more accurate and up-to-date your contact details are, the better these systems work in keeping you informed during emergencies.

In Yavapai County, a variety of alerting platforms are utilized by different entities. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office utilizes Everbridge, while Rave is used by the Prescott Regional Communications Center (City of Prescott, Town of Prescott Valley), Town of Camp Verde, Cottonwood Regional Communication Center (City of Cottonwood), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Town of Wickenburg, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, and Coconino County Emergency Management. The Town of Clarkdale operates AlertSense provided by CivicPlus, Yavapai College has implemented AlertYC, and Nixle is the platform used by the City of Sedona and the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe. See the registration links on the side of this page.

Community Messages

Local agencies, depending on their chosen vendor, allow citizens to tailor their alert subscriptions, focusing on non-emergency notifications. These can include weather advisories that are not severe, public health updates, information about special events, election details, and road construction alerts. These opt-in notifications provide flexibility, enabling individuals to select their preferred categories and methods of receiving messages, whether via text, email, phone call, or mobile app. Users have the control to adjust their preferences or unsubscribe from specific alerts at any time through their profile settings. For detailed information and to customize alert preferences, residents should contact their local agency.

For more information on emergency notification systems, please visit: https://www.yavapaiready.gov/Resilience/Prepare/Stay-Informed/Emergency-Notification-Systems

Access and Functional Needs

If you or someone close to you has a disability or other access or functional need, you may need to take additional steps to prepare yourself and your family. Including creating a Family Emergency Plan and Kit that addresses the specific health and safety needs for you and your family. Your Family Emergency Plan, should address for any specific medical support, transportation, and/or communication needs for you and your family. In your emergency kit, consider adding those specific items that both you and your family will need in order to maintain health, safety and independence.

Who Are Individuals with Access & Functional Needs (AFN)?

Individuals with access and functional needs are a diverse group of people who may require specific accommodations and support during emergencies or disasters. This group includes individuals of all ages and backgrounds who, due to various factors, may have difficulty accessing, comprehending, or responding to emergency information or who may require additional assistance to ensure their safety and well-being during such events.

Here are some categories of individuals with access and functional needs:

  1. Mobility Disabilities: These individuals may use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or other mobility devices to move around. They may require accessible transportation and shelter options.
  2. Cognitive Disabilities: People with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, may have difficulty understanding and following instructions during emergencies. They may require support in decision-making and safe evacuation.
  3. Hearing Disabilities: Deaf or hard of hearing individuals may not hear emergency alerts, sirens, or verbal instructions. They may rely on sign language interpretation, captioning, or visual alerts.
  4. Vision Disabilities: Blind or visually impaired individuals may have difficulty navigating evacuation routes, reading written instructions, or identifying hazards. They may require tactile maps, Braille instructions, or assistance from guide dogs.
  5. Communication Barriers: Individuals with communication disabilities, including those who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices or non-verbal communication methods, may need accessible communication tools and interpreters.
  6. Medical Conditions: People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues, may rely on medical equipment like oxygen concentrators or ventilators. They need a plan for maintaining power and access to medical supplies.
  7. Young Children: Infants, toddlers, and young children may not be able to communicate their needs during emergencies. Parents and caregivers must ensure they have essential supplies and support.
  8. Older Adults: Older adults may have mobility limitations, chronic health conditions, or cognitive impairments that make evacuation and accessing emergency services challenging.
  9. Pregnant Women: Pregnant individuals may have unique healthcare needs during emergencies and require access to prenatal care and safe accommodations.
  10. People with Service Animals: Those who rely on service animals, such as guide dogs, need to ensure their animals’ safety and access to shelters and transportation.
  11. Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities: Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities may have sensory sensitivities or communication challenges that require tailored support during emergencies.
  12. People with Mental Health Conditions: Individuals with mental health conditions may need specific accommodations and access to mental health services during and after disasters.
  13. Non-English Speakers: People who do not speak English as their primary language may require translated emergency information and assistance from interpreters.

It’s important to recognize that these categories are not exhaustive, and individuals with access and functional needs are a diverse group with unique requirements. Emergency preparedness and response efforts must consider the specific needs and preferences of these individuals to ensure their safety and well-being during emergencies and disasters.

I would suggest that individuals with access and functional needs sign up for RAVE Prepare as it provides early notification and shares critical information with first responders. If resources are available, first responders MAY even be able to assist with evacuation. Signing up for RAVE Prepare is best as it offers early notification. However, we realize folks may need some time to navigate the sign up, so our older form which ops you into our AFN database but not RAVE Prepare is available here: https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/resident-services/community-health/documents/functional-needs-form-8-23-23.pdf  and this option will still be available here until at least October.

Rave Prepare

The Rave Prepare system allows residents to register their medical information and specific access or functional needs online. This registry aids the Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) in quickly identifying and contacting residents who may require assistance during an emergency. Through Rave Prepare, efficient planning and proactive response to disasters and emergencies are facilitated. Residents registered in the system may be reached via text, email, or phone during an emergency to assess their needs and coordinate the necessary help.

We encourage citizens to register any mobility limitations, communication barriers, transportation challenges, or requirements related to animal care and transport. Registration is open to individuals directly, as well as to friends and family who can sign up on behalf of their loved ones. Case workers are also empowered to register residents they support. Signing up helps emergency services to better understand and plan for your needs, ensuring timely assistance when it matters most.

This system is intended to support emergency response efforts in aiding and, if feasible, evacuating individuals with functional needs during emergencies. While we aim to assist wherever possible, we encourage everyone to develop a personal evacuation plan, as emergency services may face challenges in reaching everyone immediately during critical situations.