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This information was released by Johnson County Emergency Management via their Facebook page on 10-12-24 at 5:00 pm 

October 12, 2024 Elk Fire & Johnson County Update 

In an effort to maintain continuity with our regional and state partners, Johnson County is adopting the “Ready, Set, Go” method for public warnings, pre-evacuations, and evacuation notices. As the Elk Fire continues to move throughout the Big Horn National Forest and Sheridan County, please take some time to familiarize yourself with this program and be aware of fires in your area. 

Currently, the Elk Fire has moved southward in the direction of Johnson County, however it remains to be a safe distance from Johnson County. In cooperation with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Johnson County Emergency Management is monitoring the Elk Fire closely. At this time, the town of Story is in the “READY” state. Johnson County Emergency Management at this time is placing constituents who reside between the Sheridan County line and the state land just south of Wagon Box Road, known as “Big Five” are also being placed in the “READY” state. 

Please review the following information to familiarize yourself with each definition of the “Ready, Set, Go” public notification process and/or visit this site for information regarding this program: 

https://gacc.nifc.gov/.../prevention/doc/ready_set_go.pdf 

READY – Prepare Now 

Be aware of the hazards that can threaten your community. 

• Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats. 

• Register with your county/tribal emergency notification system. 

• Connect with your local emergency management office, sheriff's office and public health department on social media. 

• Make a family evacuation and communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts and family meeting locations. Keep in mind physical distancing recommendations, wearing face coverings or other public health recommendations. 

• Build an emergency go kit with enough food, water and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours. Include 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 your neighbors, family, friends and elders through video chats or phone calls to ensure they are READY. 

• Keep up to date on local news, weather watches, weather warnings and public health recommendations. 

SET – Be Alert 

Know there is significant danger in your area. 

• Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating. 

• Grab your emergency go kit. 

• Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock. 

• Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials. 

This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO. 

GO! – Evacuate 

Danger in your area is imminent and life threatening. 

• Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating. 

• If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further. 

• Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas. 

The county has been getting inquiries about those folks with special medical needs who are in the Ready, Set, Go status on the evacuation list for the Elk Fire. 

Here are some things to consider if you or someone you know may need assistance evacuating: 

• Can you move quickly in the event of an emergency? 

• Are you a wheelchair user? 

• Would you need assistance to get out of your home? 

• Is anyone designated to assist you to get out in an emergency? 

• Do you need full or part time caregiver? 

The time to consider these questions is when you are first put into the ready status. You should be talking with family or friends as well as your doctors to gather information on what you will need if the evacuation notice to “set “and “go” is given. 

These below populations are typically recommended to use a medical needs shelter as opposed to a standard emergency shelter: 

• People with chronic illnesses requiring ongoing medication management (i.e. if you need someone else to manage it for you, is that person with you?) 

• Individuals with mobility impairments needing assistance with daily activities (the shelter staff will have other duties and will not have the capacity to assist those with specific disabilities) 

• People dependent on oxygen therapy or other specialized medical equipment that may require power 

• Individuals with cognitive disabilities requiring extra supervision (the shelter staff will have other duties and will not have the capacity to assist those with specific disabilities) 

Depending on your specific health concerns, if you are put into the “set” level and have the need for medical care and or assistance for health care you may want to decide to find an alternate place to stay and do a “self-evacuation.” 

Finally, those who are not signed up for Code Red Alerts but want to remain informed about this fire can look for updates here on the Johnson County Emergency Management Facebook page or the following: 

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wybhf-elk-fire-2024 

Visit here to sign up for Code Red Alerts: 

https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/B376F4CAB9AC