Cook County utilizes the “Ready, Set, Go” method for emergency evacuations, with the Cook County Sheriff as the sole authority to order an evacuation. 

• READY: At this stage, be prepared for an evacuation. Community members should:
  • Develop and memorize an evacuation plan with all members of the household.
  • Assemble an emergency supply kit (see below).
  • Ensure insurance policies are up to date and create a video inventory of the home.
  • Closely monitor the current situation and any official alerts.
• SET: This stage signifies the need to prepare for immediate departure. Community members should:
  • Prepare their vehicles for potential evacuation, including packing and backing the car into the driveway.
  • Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. If a threat is perceived, do not wait for an official evacuation order – evacuate immediately.
• GO!: This stage requires immediate evacuation. Community members should:
  • Ensure all household members are accounted for.
  • Utilize pre-planned evacuation routes, selecting the safest option.
  • Proceed to a designated safe location, such as a relative’s home, hotel, or emergency shelter (in the case of Cook County, this is the YMCA).

Cook County's website has a map where community members can enter their address and learn what, if any, evacuation zone they are in (in the event of an active evacuation). The website also has an Emergency Evacuation Registration Form, which one household member can fill out to notify authorities of their evacuation plans (again, in the event of an active evacuation). According to Keyport, the Cook County YMCA is the designated emergency shelter and a registration point for evacuation information if community members cannot complete the form. 

Additionally, the county uses CodeRED Mobile Alert, a free emergency notification service that will notify registered users of emergency information through phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media. You can download the app from Google Play or the Apple store and register your information ahead of time. Keyport told Boreal Community Media that the county also encourages those who own cabins or other structures in the area to sign up for alerts, not just full—or part-time community members. 

Essential Items to Bring During an Evacuation:

• Clothing and personal care items.
• Sleeping bags, pillows, and towels.
• Prescription medications and medical supplies (enough for one week).
• Pets with carriers and food.
• Eyeglasses.
• Important documents, money, checkbooks, and credit cards.
• Valuables.
• Cellphone with charger.
• Any other necessary personal items.
  
  

Wildfire Preparedness Checklist (Red Cross):

The American Red Cross offers a comprehensive wildfire preparedness checklist on its website here. Find a summary below. 

Before a Wildfire:

• Be Ready to Evacuate Quickly:
  • Know evacuation routes and have multiple escape plans.
  • Practice these routes with all household members.
  • Have an evacuation plan for pets and livestock.
  • Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full.
• Plan to Stay Connected:
  • Sign up for local government emergency alerts.
  • Have a backup battery or charger for your cell phone.
  • Have a battery-powered radio.
  • Monitor weather conditions and nearby fires.
• Learn Emergency Skills:
  • Learn First Aid and CPR.
  • Plan for potential utility outages (power, gas, water).
• Understand Health Impacts:
  • Learn how to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.
• Gather Emergency Supplies in Advance (Go-Kit):
  • Include a 3-day supply of food, water, and essential items per household member.
  • Have a 1-month supply of medications in a child-proof container.
  • Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and accessible (hard copies or secure backups).
• Create Defensible Space: (As detailed by Cook County Firewise below)
• Get Involved with Community Efforts:
  • Practice wildfire prevention.
  • Support community efforts in vegetation management and fire-resistant construction.
  • Check on neighbors before a fire to see if they need assistance.

During a Wildfire:

• Pay Attention to Your Surroundings:
  • Monitor weather, nearby fires, and official instructions.
  • Be ready to evacuate quickly with your Go-Kit.
  • Be prepared to evacuate even without an official notice if you feel unsafe.

After a Wildfire:

• Stay Safe:
  • Wait for official clearance before returning home.
  • Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and downed power lines.
  • Watch for ash pits with potential hot embers.
• Stay Healthy:
  • Check with local authorities about drinking water safety.
  • Discard food exposed to heat, smoke, fumes, or chemicals.
  • Consult your healthcare provider about refrigerated medicines.
• Take Care of Yourself:
  • Acknowledge and address potential stress and anxiety.
  • Maintain healthy habits (eating well, getting enough sleep).
  • Utilize resources like the Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) if needed.
    
    

Proactive Measures to Protect Your Home (Cook County Firewise):

Cook County Firewise provides valuable information for homeowners to reduce the risk of wildfire damage to their properties. Some recommendations include:

• Zone 1 (0-30 feet from the house): Remove all flammable vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and wood piles. Use non-combustible landscaping materials like rock and gravel. Keep lawns mowed and clear of debris.
• Zone 2 (30-100 feet from the house): Reduce the density of trees and shrubs, creating “islands” of vegetation. Prune lower branches of trees to at least six feet above the ground. Remove dead and dying vegetation.
• Zone 3 (100-200 feet from the house): Thin out trees and remove underbrush and debris.

• Clean gutters and roofs of leaves and pine needles.
• Repair or replace loose or damaged roofing materials and siding.
• Install and maintain spark arrestors on chimneys.
• Ensure vents are screened with metal mesh.
• Store firewood and other flammable materials at least 30 feet away from buildings.