If recommended by state officials, the following should be done as an early precaution for animals; however, if told to evacuate, stop and follow evacuation plans.
Put dairy cows, goats and other valuable livestock inside barns or enclosed covered sheds.
Restrict dairy cows, goats and other valuable livestock to feed that has been in enclosed or covered storage.
Restrict livestock to water sources that are covered or are from enclosed underground storage.
Additional information will be available via local media outlets regarding measures to be taken for potentially contaminated food products.
Refer to the online educational booklets, "Radiological Emergency Information for Farmers, Food Processors and Distributors" for additional information regarding radioactive material and its effects on food products. The booklet may be downloaded at the Washington State Department of Agriculture website.
In some cases, schools may be evacuated before it is necessary for the rest of the public to evacuate.
Children at Edwin Markham Elementary School, Country Christian Center or Big River Country School will be taken to a safe location by school officials.
Parents should talk to their school/school district officials (Pasco School District and/or North Franklin School District) about their emergency plans before an emergency happens.
Parents should contact the school/school district about the reunification process for their child.
Do not go to these schools to pick up children.
Children who live in an Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) but go to school outside of that zone will stay at their school. Parents may pick them up at the school. Local officials will take special care to protect school children. If you have questions, please contact your child’s school. Schools and day care centers near an area affected by an emergency may choose to evacuate in an emergency. Parents should talk to their school and/or day care officials about their emergency plans before an emergency happens.
In an emergency where there may be a risk of radioactive contamination, evacuees will be checked for contamination at the assistance centers and, if necessary, a means of decontamination will be provided.
Other services include:
The American Red Cross will maintain a registration file of families who report to the center so information can be provided to concerned relatives and friends.
Temporary lodging will be made available.
Beverages and snacks or sandwiches will be provided as soon as possible, once evacuees start to arrive at the center. A special effort will be made to provide for the dietary needs of infants, diabetics, etc.
First aid care will be available.
Social services and organized activities for children and adults will be provided.
If you cannot reach your neighbor, contact your county emergency management official to request assistance.
Stay indoors while you wait for help and follow Shelter In Place instructions on page 6 of the Emergency Calendar (PDF)
Call now to ask for special assistance or transportation. Don’t wait for an emergency to ask for assistance. Telephone your county emergency management office today if you are elderly, handicapped or without a car. Your county emergency management director will put you on a list that shows who may need special assistance during an evacuation.
First: You must know what Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) section you live in. Refer to the map on page 12 if you are unsure.
Listen to instructions carefully to determine if you live in a section being evacuated.
Anyone evacuating their home should secure all doors and windows or any other structures as if they were leaving for an extended period of time.
If you live in a section being evacuated, refer to page 12 (English) or page 22 (Spanish) of the Emergency Calendar (PDF) for directions, and leave your home as quickly as possible.
Keep phones free for emergency use. Talk to your neighbors (by means other than the telephone) to ensure they have also heard and understand the emergency notification instructions.
Notify anyone who may be working outdoors and may not have received the message.
Take with you a emergency supplies list. You should plan to be away from home for at least 72 hours.
When you leave, drive away from the Hanford Site as shown on the map. Once out of the EPZ, go to the nearest open assistance center. County officials will provide instructions on KONA 610 AM / 105.3 FM, KORD 102.7 FM or KZHR 92.5 FM (Spanish language) radio.
Local officials will give special consideration for the protection of school children. Children attending Franklin County schools within the EPZ will be transported by school officials to a safe location. Remember: Listen to KONA 610 AM / 105.3 FM, KORD 102.7 FM, or KZHR 92.5 FM (Spanish language) to find out where to pick up your child. Your child will be cared for by school staff until you arrive.
Before leaving, do the following:
Turn off stoves, space heaters, and heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Take your pets with you. The American Red Cross will make accommodations for household pets.
While driving, keep your windows and vents closed and obey traffic signals. There is no need to rush.
Register at the assistance center when you arrive to help officials make sure everyone has evacuated. This also helps the American Red Cross provide information to inquiring relatives.
After you register, you may go to a safe location, or the American Red Cross will provide food, temporary lodging and first aid needs.
If it is necessary that you visit your home briefly, such as to care for livestock, check with the assistance center office to make proper arrangements. To do this, you must fill out a re-entry request that will be reviewed by county officials. Arrangements are made as soon as possible.
You will be told when it is safe to return home.
Listen to the emergency instructions carefully and keep your radio tuned to the primary Emergency Alert System radio station KONA 610 AM / 105.3 FM, KORD 102.7 FM or KZHR 92.5 FM (Spanish language).
Go indoors, close all doors and windows, and turn off your HVAC system to prevent outside air from being drawn into your home.
Remain in your home if possible and listen to the radio.
Listen to the primary Emergency Alert System radio station KONA 610 AM / 105.3 FM, KORD 102.7 FM or KZHR 92.5 FM (Spanish language) for further instructions.
Use the phone only for personal emergencies. Keep pets inside if possible.
If you need to go outside, ensure you still have access to the information provided on KONA 610 AM / 105.3 FM, KORD 102.7 FM or KZHR 92.5 FM (Spanish language).
Start planning for possible evacuation.
If you are in a car, continue to your destination if it is outside evacuated areas.
Gather nearby family members, prepare to Shelter In Place or Evacuate, monitor information channels such as KONA 610 AM / 105.3 FM, KORD 102.7 FM or KZHR 92.5 FM (Spanish language) and keep off the road (to reduce traffic congestion and allow those who are told to evacuate to do so).
