Stay Prepared With Arizona’s Ready Set Go Emergency Program

Ready, Set, Go is a program that sheriffs across Arizona have adopted over the years. This program aims to educate people in Arizona about the proper way to react in emergencies. With fire season and flash flood season kicking off, here is everything you need to know about RSG!

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READY

The first step of reacting to an emergency is to be ready. Being ready doesn't mean being on edge all the time. It means having a plan, so you are prepared if something does happen. When making an emergency plan, it is important to think about any tools, medication, and paperwork you might need. Make sure to prepare food and water. Arizona's official website recommends preparing at least 72 hours' worth of food, clothes, water, and cash.

Registering for county notification systems is beneficial as it keeps you and your loved ones informed of hazards and emergencies. You can sign up through the city of Serra Vista website. It is also important to have a plan for any animals or pets you have as well. If a wildfire were to get close to your house, where are you taking your critters, and how are you getting them there? These are all important things to think of and prepare BEFORE an emergency starts.

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SET

Set means to be alert. This is the step of the emergency process where there is a threat, but evacuation isn't deemed necessary yet. During this step, prepare any emergency bags, and be ready to leave at any moment. The SET step gives you time to talk to family and plan the next part of your emergency plan. This step also gives first responders a chance to address the emergency and give out information to the public.

During this step, the City of Sierra Vista recommends voluntarily relocating or, at the very least, monitoring the news and social media. Don Foster, the fire marshal for the Sierra Vista Fire Department, recommends moving your car so it is easier to get out and contacting family members to make plans.

GO!!

Go means get out! By this point in the emergency, you should be completely prepared, and if you aren't, it's okay. During the GO step of the process, do not worry about anything other than getting you and your loved ones to a safe place. This is not the time to spray your house down or pack a bag.

This is the most important part of the emergency process, and for first responders, time is of the essence. It is important to leave when they tell you to prevent traffic that can interfere with emergency vehicles. Leaving when asked also gives them fewer things to worry about when they enter the scene.

The Ready Set Go Program is a great way to educate yourself on how to react in an emergency setting. As spring turns into summer, it is important to know what to do in emergencies such as wildfires and flash floods. If you want to sign up for emergency alerts through the city, visit their public signup page! Stay safe out there, and be prepared so you aren't frazzled in an emergency.

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