As a result of Cochise County receiving only 2% of the normal precipitation so far this year, wildfires in Southern Arizona, and our experiences with local fires over the past several years, Sheriff Dever issues some proactive measures for citizens’ safety and welfare.

By preparing a simple disaster “Go Kit” in advance that is readily available to take with you in the event of any mandatory evacuation due to a wildfire or other catastrophe, critical time can be saved. Your “kit” should include:

- A change of clothing and sturdy shoes

- A supply of food and water to last at least 24 hours

- Blankets and/or sleeping bags

- A first aid kit with basic prescription drugs

- Extra pairs of glasses

- A battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

- Credit cards and cash / medical cards / insurance cards

- Special items for babies, elderly, or disabled family members (oxygen, etc�-)

- Extra set of car keys, house keys

- Cell phone, and a phone book with family members phone numbers

- Board games/cards/entertainment for adults and children

- Don’t forget animal food/water containers for your small animals

When any disaster strikes the better prepared you are, the faster you can get to safety for you and your family. Don’t forget family pets and have an evacuation plan that includes any livestock relocation provisions made out of the immediate area. The Sheriff’s Office will NOT be able to assist with the relocation of livestock so pre-planning is critical.

Forest Service Officials have advised that fire conditions are going to be listed as HIGH, so it literally is not a matter of “IF” a wildland fire starts, but rather “WHEN” a wildland fire starts. Proactive measures are necessary now, and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office has adopted a zero tolerance approach to anyone who contributes to fire conditions by discarding flammable materials such as cigarettes from vehicles. Offenders will be issued a citation and fined heavily.

Also remember that evacuation procedures include having emergency equipment coming into an affected zone, so keeping the roadways clear and as unobstructed as possible is vital. During any evacuation situation there will be levels of response that include Potential for Evacuation / Voluntary Evacuation / and Mandatory Evacuation. The Sheriff’s Office will utilize all resources during any of these scenarios and will attempt to make personal contacts with residents at each location. Once a contact or attempted contact is made, the Sheriff’s Office personnel will post the residence with a notification hanger. If a Mandatory Evacuation occurs, the Sheriff’s Office personnel will direct all residents to leave the area and if any resident refuses to leave then it will be noted on the notification hanger. If there are young children in a residence that the parent(s) or caregivers refuse to leave, then the Sheriff’s Office personnel have the option of removing the children from the home for their safety. Please be prepared in advance with an emergency plan and “Go Kit” that can make leaving more safe and efficient.

Sheriff Dever said today, “The importance of being prepared to face an emergency can literally mean the difference between life and death in some instances. By taking a few moments to identify what you would need in the case of evacuation; to determine what action has to happen with pets and livestock; and to make sure that all underbrush and debris is moved away from your home to hinder the spread of fire, are just a few things that you can do now while you are in control instead of later when it may be too late. Be responsible and be safe.”

For any additional information or to ask any questions please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 520-432-9500 or the U.S. Forest Service at 520-388-8484.