What are the Evacuation Status Levels in the Pikes Peak Region?
Evacuation Status Levels: Terms Used in the Pikes Peak Region
- Pre-Evacuation Warning: This means there is a potential threat to life and property, and a high probability that you will be ordered to evacuate, but that order has not yet been issued. Get prepared to leave, or leave now. You do NOT have to wait to be ordered to leave, and may voluntarily evacuate.
- Evacuation Order. An order is issued when an immediate evacuation is required due to an imminent threat to life and property. This is an order to leave immediately.
- Move to Higher Ground. This order may be posted in the case of flood danger.
- Shelter In Place. A direction to shelter in place means the public should remain in or move to an indoor location. Monitor media and emergency notifications for further instructions.
- Clear To Repopulate. It is safe to return to your home. Be aware of your surroundings and go through the returning home checklist.
- Normal. There is no current knowledge of threats affecting your area and that you can carry on with normal activity.
- Advisory. This status may be posted in the case of training exercises or for informational purposes that do not require any public actions, such as smoke visible in the area from prescribed burning, etc.
If I leave during a pre-evacuation warning, may I return to my home again prior to an evacuation order?
While the evacuation status remains a "pre-evacuation warning," you may be allowed to re-enter the area. However, should the status change to an evacuation order, or dependent on the emergency response operational needs at the time, you might not be allowed to return. If you leave during the pre-evacuation warning, stay informed of updates, and don't assume you'll be able to go back
If my area is evacuated when I am not home, may I return to collect my pets or belongings?
Once an evacuation order is place, access to the evacuated zone is restricted. Be sure to plan with neighbors and friends for the possibility that you may not be home when the evacuation order is issued. Discuss plans to mutually help one another to evacuate pets or important items should you not be able to access your neighborhood.
What if I require special assistance in evacuating?
If you have special concerns or need help in evacuating, prepare in advance by:
- Developing a personal support network of trusted individuals who may be able to assist.
- Planning to evacuate as early as possible, and if you receive a pre-evacuation warning, leave at that time instead of waiting for an evacuation order to be issued.
- Informing your trusted support network where you keep your emergency supplies and how to access your home.
A few local first responder agencies maintain voluntary registries for people with special concerns for emergency response, check with your local fire or law enforcement office to see if one is available in your area. Of course, if you have a life-threatening situation, call 911 to request aid from first responders. However, in a widespread disaster there may be extenuating circumstances that could delay 911 response depending on the nature of the incident. More details on preparedness for people with disabilities or medical needs is at ready.gov/disability
Is an evacuation order mandatory?
Yes, Colorado law provides for the enforcement of evacuation orders because when an order is issued there is imminent threat to lives and property. An evacuation order is an official notification to leave immediately, however should you choose not to evacuate when the order is issued, there can be no assumption that anyone, including first responders, will be able to enter the evacuation area to provide assistance if conditions escalate.