HAYDEN, Idaho — Wildfire evacuations will look a bit different in Kootenai County this year.
In June, the Kootenai County Fire Chiefs Association unanimously voted to adopt the nationally recognized “Ready, Set, Go” model for evacuation messaging throughout Kootenai County. The system replaced the previous Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 system used for evacuation alerts, providing clearer and more effective communication during emergencies.
This vote is also supported by the US Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands, as both use the “Ready, Set, Go” model and this move further aligns efforts to enhance public readiness during natural disasters through clear communication.
According to the fire chiefs, this model emphasizes three key steps:
Ready: Prepare well in advance of emergencies by creating defensible space around your home, assembling an emergency supply kit, and establishing a family communication plan.Set: Stay vigilant by monitoring fire and weather conditions closely. When authorities issue an evacuation warning (Set), residents should be prepared to evacuate at short notice.Go: When evacuation orders are issued (Go), leave immediately. These orders are issued to protect residents from imminent danger, and prompt evacuation ensures personal safety and aids firefighting efforts.
“This shift to the ‘Ready, Set, Go’ model enhances our ability to communicate with clarity and consistency during critical situations,” Chief Chris Way, President of the Kootenai County Fire Chiefs Association, said. “While traditionally used during wildfire seasons, this model will now be applied to all disasters, including windstorms, ice storms, flooding, and snow events.”
