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

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

PCSO said the evacuation center is at the Queen Valley Community Center.

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

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

According to the Arizona Emergency Information Network’s website, ‘Ready’ and “Go’ status are part of a nationwide program called ‘Ready, Set, Go.’

The program, per AZEIN’s website, is adopted by Arizona’s 15 county sheriffs, and the program 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 certain area, it means people should be aware of the hazards that can threaten their community, and do the following:

• Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats
• Register with their county/tribal emergency notification system
• Connect with their 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 their 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

When a ‘Set’ status is active, it means people affected should know there is significant danger in their area. They also should:

• Consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area.
• Grab their emergency go kit.
• Keep in mind unique needs for their family, or special equipment for pets and livestock.
• Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials.

When a ‘Go’ status is active, it means the danger in the affected areas are imminent and life threatening, and people should:

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

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

This story is developing. Please check back for further updates.

Where Queen Valley is located

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