Emergency

What should you do in the event of an Emergency

In the event of an emergency in Maple Plain or Independence you should be aware of two key terms you might be asked to perform by law enforcement or fire departments to protect yourself and others. Those terms are “Shelter in Place” and “Evacuate”. You may be asked to perform one of these two tasks for natural disasters such as a tornado, wind events, a winter storm or a biological disaster where hazardous materials are released into the atmosphere from a train derailment or a chemical spill on a county, state or local road.

If you are requested to Shelter in Place or Evacuate it will be broadcast on local media stations, radio stations and sent directly you by our emergency notification system called CodeRed. If you have not yet signed up for CodeRed I would encourage you to sign up now.

By educating our citizens on what to expect in an emergency notification we can ease the stress of the emergency through preparation. By working together, planning for emergencies we can protect lives and property.

What exactly should you do if told to Shelter in Place?

What exactly should you do if you are told to Evacuate your home due to an emergency?

Go indoors and stay inside
Close all outside doors and windows
When requested turn off all air conditioning, furnaces, fireplaces or ventilation devices that might draw in outside contaminated air
If possible go to your basement and bring a radio devices or cell phone with you
Listen to your radio or television to get further instructions
Do n

Go indoors and stay inside
Close all outside doors and windows
When requested turn off all air conditioning, furnaces, fireplaces or ventilation devices that might draw in outside contaminated air
If possible go to your basement and bring a radio devices or cell phone with you
Listen to your radio or television to get further instructions
Do not leave you shelter or evacuate unless told to do so
Keep family and pets inside
While sheltering in place begin to prepare evacuation items for you, your family, and any pets you may have

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What exactly should you do if you are told to Evacuate your home due to an emergency?

First, don’t panic and second follow instructions given by emergency managers
You will have time to pack a few items and secure your home as if you were going on vacation, unless advised otherwise.
Plan on leaving your home for three days or less
Close all doors and windows and lock your home
Place a note of your front door stating you have

First, don’t panic and second follow instructions given by emergency managers
You will have time to pack a few items and secure your home as if you were going on vacation, unless advised otherwise.
Plan on leaving your home for three days or less
Close all doors and windows and lock your home
Place a note of your front door stating you have evacuated and include your name and cell phone number or an emergency contact number for emergency personnel.

What should I take if I have been asked to evacuate?
Cash, credit cards, checkbooks and your identification such as a driver license or state ID, and insurance cards
Prescription medication
Cell phone and cell phone charging cords, computers or other tablets
Baby formula and diapers
Two changes of clothing per person, including jackets, boots, gloves
Pillows, sleeping bags, and personal hygiene items including towels
Household pets, leashes, cages, water dish and pet food
Snacks, water, and other minor food supplies
Flashlight and batteries

Where do I go after I evacuate?

You will be instructed to register at a reception center to confirm you have evacuated
A reception center location will be announced prior to you evacuating
You are encouraged to stay with friends or relatives outside of the affected area
You can also stay at an emergency shelter provided by emergency managers and the American Red Cross

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