Be prepared, sign up for emergency alerts

This summer has been busy for fire and county emergency management departments. In July, there were fires that resulted in Level 3 evacuation orders. One fire went from Level 1 to Level 3 in eight minutes, according to Patrick Prucell, Walla Walla County Emergency Management Coordinator.

Level 1–Be Ready to evacuate by having a plan and a go-kit ready.

Level 2 – Be Set to evacuate at a moment’s notice, there is significant danger in the area, and it can change quickly.

Level 3 – Go Now! Leave immediately, without delay. Do not stop to gather belongings.

Purcell recommends that all residents in Walla Walla County visit the county emergency management website at https://tinyurl.com/49pm768n and sign up for the Walla Walla County Emergency Alerts system through Everbridge. The link is on the page. This alert system will send you location-specific information, including Level 1 and 2 notices. The level 1 and 2 alerts will give residents valuable time to pack and gather pets and livestock before an evacuation order.

In Columbia County, the emergency alert system is through CodeRed and can be accessed on the Columbia County website at https://tinyurl.com/ppn5sk6b.