Emergency Evacuation Protocol

The Chuckanut Crest Emergency Evacuation Committee has prepared the following information specific to the Chuckanut Crest Community as to how we each can prepare for an evacuation emergency.  This material is focused on emergency evacuation only, such as may be required in the event of a fire or explosion threatening our homes and neighborhood.  It does not cover all types of possible events, such as earthquake or mudslide which temporarily blocks a road, but does not require emergency evacuation.

Advance Preparation for Evacuation Emergency

  1. Register with the county’s AlertSense program.  Whatcom county maintains this reverse-911 system that can notify us if an evacuation is necessary.  Note that each family member with a cell phone must register to ensure that their contact information is in the system.  
  2. Prepare a packed “go-bag” with the few items you’ll take with you.  
  3. Get familiar with the Map of Chuckanut Crest Emergency Exit Routes.  Through the efforts of the Emergency Evacuation Committee, several of our adjacent neighbors have agreed to allow CCA members to evacuate our neighborhood through their properties if the Chuckanut Crest Drive Trunk Road is not passable or safe. (In exchange, our association has granted permission for these neighbors to use our roads for emergency evacuation, if that is needed.)  

If the Fire Authority Declares An Evacuation Emergency

  1. Follow directions provided by notifying agency.
  2. Tune in to Radio KGMI 790 AM, our local news radio station.   Select a preset on your radios to this station and set an internet bookmark to KGMI.com where you can listen without charge.
  3. Grab a “go bag” and leave your home by vehicle as soon as possible -- wildfires move very quickly.
  4. If the main trunk road is blocked, consult CCA Emergency Exit Map.  Use the emergency exit nearest your home—or an alternate route if necessary.
  5. If safe to do so, notify your immediate neighbors to confirm that they know about the evacuation order, and aid if you can do so safely.

Interested in Participating? 

Additional information can be provided by contacting any of the Emergency Evacuation Committee members.
Erick Laine erickjlaine@gmail.com
Joanne Hallett jthallett11@gmail.com
Ann McQuade annmcq@gmail.com
Map Legend of Emergency Exits
#1 (Established) Chuckanut Crest Drive—main trunk (if passable)

Emergency Alternatives
#2  (Bergsma logging road)
#3  (Brighton Crest—Interurban)
#4  (Vanderbilt Road)

Note that you cannot re-enter through these routes and that they are for emergency exit only.  They should not be used for any other purpose.

Ongoing CCA Planning and Preparations

Emergency Exit Coordinator.  The CCA board has designated new board member Erick Laine to also serve as Emergency Exit Coordinator.  Among other tasks, Erick will serve as an ongoing contact for the local fire and emergency response personnel – a function that the EMS officials requested, when the EEC committee conferred with them about these matters.
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Ongoing Emergency Exit Committee.  EEC members Joanne Hallett and Ann McQuade have agreed to continue to participate on the committee over this year, working with Erick to ensure that evacuation routes are inspected at least annually, and maintained as needed.  Other tasks: 
  • Sponsor annual tour of CCA road system with interested EMS officials.  The goal:  ensure that EMS officials are more familiar with our 5+ miles of roads, where and how large vehicles can turn around, possible staging areas in an emergency, and location of fire hydrants.
  • Helping Member Get Smarter About Wildlands Fire Safety.  The committee will be in contact with the CCA membership later this year about opportunities to consult individually with local and state fire and land use officials, to learn how to make their own properties safer from forest fire.
  • Update or revise emergency protocols as needed.