What’s the difference between voluntary and mandatory evacuations?

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Evacuation News

Severe Weather,Weather,Local News

After several days of heavy rainfall and flood threats, both voluntary and mandatory evacuations have been issued.

Authorities in Harris County initially issued a voluntary evacuation for residents near the East Fort of the San Jacinto River. Then the voluntary evacuation turned into a mandatory evacuation.that you should consider leaving to a safer location. There’s a chance that flood waters could render you unable to leave your home. You should still prepare to shelter in place for several days.

Meanwhile, a Mandatory Evacuation means that a life threatening situation is imminent. With that brings a threat to the lives of first responders.If you do not leave during a mandatory evacuation, emergency personnel will not come to help you. You are on your own. You cannot rely on help.“Why are we saying mandatory evacuation? We had a request for a voluntary evacuation a couple days ago,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “The situation then was not threatening to life safety.

Now here’s the thing. Just because it’s called a Mandatory Evacuation, it doesn’t mean law enforcement can force you out of your home.“We can’t force someone to leave,” Hidalgo said. “But if you stay there, not only are you a sitting duck, but you’re putting out law enforcement in danger. And at some point, we can’t send law enforcement into swift water that is sure to pose a threat to their life because you made a bad decision. So, please evacuate.

Severe Weather Weather Local News Lina Hidalgo Harris County Houston Flooding

 

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