Frequently Asked Questions

When the Governor orders an evacuation, it is required that everyone in the designated area leave. Learn more about evacuation and evacuation zones by visiting the Emergency Management page.

Each individual and family in the evacuation zone should decide the best place to which to move in the event of an evacuation. Several local Red Cross shelters also provide emergency shelter. Available shelter locations will be announced by the county in the event of an emergency.

First, a damage assessment team assesses the damage of the affected and evacuated area. This team consists mainly of public safety personnel. Next, if only minor damage exists, specifically to utilities such as power, water, sewer and roadways, county officials make the decision for the time of re-entry. If major damage occurred to buildings, utilities or roadways, the county provides property owners a time to visit and survey the damage to their property. To gain access to their property, owners must have a copy of the property title, or a tax receipt, or utility bill bearing the address of the property, and picture identification. A driver’s license showing a physical address is acceptable. Once utility companies restore damages and it is safe for entry, county officials notify property owners that they may return to their property.