Orting, Washington, nestled between two rivers, faces unique evacuation challenges in the event of a natural disaster, much like the scenario depicted in the movie Dante’s Peak. The town’s only escape routes involve crossing bridges over the Puyallup and Carbon Rivers, making swift evacuation critical before potential bridge collapse. This necessitates a robust and efficient evacuation plan, often referred to as Evac3, a critical car safety emergency tool for Orting residents. Understanding this plan is crucial for ensuring the safety of all residents.
Orting’s Evac3: A Two-Pronged Approach
To evacuate approximately 3,300 residents within 30 minutes, Orting’s Evac3 plan divides the town into two sections. Residents on the south side follow a designated route (marked pink on the evacuation map) across the Puyallup River westward to the Pierce County Fair Grounds. Those on the north side (marked red) travel north, crossing the Puyallup River just before its confluence with the Carbon River, and proceed to the South Hill Mall. These locations serve as designated receiving centers for families to reunite after evacuation.
Orting ensures widespread awareness of Evac3. Every household receives a copy of the plan, either upon moving in or when ordering utility services. This document, a double-sided sheet, includes a map highlighting evacuation routes and detailed instructions on evacuation procedures. Residents are advised to keep the plan accessible, such as taped to the inside of a closet door, for quick reference during emergencies. Despite the plan’s existence, actual practice drills haven’t been conducted due to logistical challenges and anticipated low participation.
School Evacuation: A Well-Oiled Machine
Orting’s three schools, situated on a single campus, benefit from a unified evacuation plan. For K-6 students, evacuation involves boarding two or three school buses. Students in grades 7-12 proceed to a designated “Link-Up Zone” where faculty and students with cars provide transportation. A simple system, using displayed fingers to indicate available seatbelts, ensures all students have a ride. Through repeated practice, the school has achieved an impressive evacuation time of 10 minutes, excluding the 4-mile drive to the safety zone. Furthermore, the school district is pursuing funding for a footbridge across the Carbon River to expedite evacuation by providing immediate access to higher ground.
Evac3: Addressing Concerns and Future Improvements
While confident in the school’s evacuation plan and the overall effectiveness of Evac3 for volcanic eruptions, officials express concern about unanticipated lahars (volcanic mudflows) not associated with eruptions. These unpredictable events pose a significant challenge to timely evacuation. The potential for such events underscores the ongoing need for preparedness and potential plan enhancements. The proposed footbridge represents one such improvement, aiming to minimize reliance on vehicles and further reduce evacuation times. Continued efforts to refine Evac3 and educate the community remain paramount in ensuring the safety of Orting residents in the face of natural disasters.
