Brush fire in Pinal County prompts evacuation

PHOENIX – Officials with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office say a brush fire has prompted an evacuation in a community in the county.

On their Facebook page, officials said the southwest region of the Queen Valley has been placed under a “Go” status, meaning they need to evacuate. Meanwhile, the northern and western regions of the Queen Valley are currently under a “Ready” status, meaning they must prepare now for a potential evacuation.

Queen Valley is a community located along US 60, located east of the greater Phoenix area.

‘Ready’ and ‘Go’ statuses: What do they mean?

According to the Arizona Emergency Information Network’s websiteThe ‘Ready’ and ‘Go’ status is part of a nationwide program called ‘Ready, Ready, Go’.

Adopted by Arizona’s 15 county sheriffs, the program, according to AZEIN’s website, educates residents about proactive measures to take before emergencies and what to do when communities are threatened.

Dig deeper:

When a “Ready” status is active for a particular area, it means that people should be aware of the dangers that may threaten their communities and do the following:

• Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats
• Sign up with their county/tribal emergency notification system
• Connect with your local emergency department, sheriff’s office and public health department on social media
• Create a family evacuation and communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts, and family meeting places. Remember recommendations about physical distancing, wearing face coverings or other public health recommendations
• Build an emergency starter kit with enough food, water and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours. Bring supplies to help keep you and your family healthy, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes. Start with the five P’s; people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items
• Check with their neighbors, family, friends and elders through video chat or phone calls to make sure they are ready
• Stay up to date on local news, weather watches, weather warnings and public health advisories

When a “Set” status is active, it means that those affected should know that there is significant danger in their area. They should also:

• Consider voluntarily moving to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area.
• Grab their first aid kit.
• Remember the unique needs of their family, or special equipment for pets and livestock.
• Stay tuned for the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials.

When a “Go” status is active, it means that the danger in the affected areas is imminent and life-threatening, and people should:

• Evacuate immediately to a shelter or stay with family/friends outside the affected area.
• Follow the instructions of emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas.

The website also notes that people who choose to ignore a ‘Go’ statue “should understand that emergency services may not be able to assist you further.”

This story is in development. Please come back for further updates.

Where Queen Valley is located

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