I am aware that this year is particularly concerning for all Lake County residents given the extraordinarily high temperatures we have already seen and the current extreme drought conditions. As usual, the Department of Social Services will work with the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, American Red Cross, Lake County Public Health, Lake County Office of Education, Lake County Animal Control and many other partners to ensure that sheltering is available for those residents who come under evacuation orders. To that end, I will outline what the process will look like this year as many of the COVID restrictions have changed, while others have been modified.
When the Sheriff initially calls for an evacuation, he may designate a location as the Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP) for residents to gather until it is determined if a shelter will be needed. Last year, there was confusion for some when this term was used to designate COVID screening sites. This year, we are specifically calling the locations for COVID screening, Screening Points (SP) so there is no confusion.
Screening Points may be at the same location as the designated TEP but more often, they will be found outside of the Evacuation Shelter. Disaster messaging will include information about where you will find the Screening Point. Evacuees must pass through the Screening Point before they are able to register for the Evacuation Shelter.
Shelters will return to congregate care this year but they will operate at reduced capacity in order to control for the possibility of a COVID outbreak. Measures taken will include increased spacing between cots, and meals provided in individual containers. Please note: all shelter staff and residents will be required to wear a mask when inside of the shelter regardless of vaccination status.
Because these measures will reduce shelter capacity and safety from COVID contamination cannot be guaranteed, it is highly recommended that each Lake County resident consider what alternative they have to the congregate sheltering option. For example, if you have friends or family outside of the evacuated area, you may consider staying with them. Check with your home or rental insurance carrier, many will pay for the cost of a motel and meals during an evacuation.
Most importantly, stay safe this summer. Make sure your home is as fire proofed as possible, visit the Lake County Fire Safe Council website for more information: www.firesafelake.org/home-hardening/
Know your zone so you can evacuate quickly, visit www.Lakesheriff.com and click on the “Know Your Area” link to access the Zonehaven map.
Prepare your “go bag” now! You’ll need enough supplies to sustain you for at least three to five days. This is a critical step in preparing your family for emergencies. Based on your unique needs consider the following:
- food and water
- medication
- personal hygiene items – deodorant, a toothbrush, clean clothing, tissues
- face coverings for every member of your family
- infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes
- hand sanitizer
- important documents
- pet food
- cash, credit or debit cards
We at the Department of Social Services hope that you have a safe and fun summer without the need for a shelter! However, if evacuation sheltering is needed, we will be there to help.
—Submitted by Crystal Markytan, Director of Lake County Department of Social Services
