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   With the recent wildfires in Crow Wing and Lake Counties the Cass County Sheriff’s Office has received several questions about how residents and visitors would be notified in the event of an evacuation notice. We have several options to notify the public during an emergency.

   The first option is called Nixle. Nixle is an opt in Emergency Notification System that end users must sign up for to receive.

   To sign up for Nixle:

   • Go to www.nixle.com. Click on “Sign Up Now!” On the main screen, it will say “TEXT YOUR ZIP

CODE, must be a zip code within Cass County, TO 888777 TO OPT-IN”

   • If you want to receive alerts on your e-mail, click on the blue box within the orange box “Add Contact

Paths.” Fill out the fields and click on “I Accept. Sign me up!”

   • After you sign up, you will receive a text message on your cell phone or an e-mail. Follow any directions you receive. You will then receive alerts by e-mail and / or text message to your phone.

   The second option for the Sheriff’s Office is to utilize the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, otherwise known as IPAWS. IPAWS is FEMA’s national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through Wireless (WEA), Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio. There is no opt in required to receive these messages. The only requirement is to make sure your cellphone settings are turned on to receive these government notifications. By default, Government Alerts are on. You can manage them in your phone’s settings. This notification would be similar to an Amber Alert, so if you are receiving them from time to time your settings are set to receive. The emergency messaging is also sent to local TV and Radio Stations through the EAS system.

   The third option is door-to-door notification. In the event of disasters, response personnel would conduct immediate door-to-door notification campaigns to ensure that at risk residents are safe and informed of protective actions. This would be completed by local Law Enforcement and other

Emergency Responders Groups.

   Like Crow Wing and Lake Counties, Cass County has recently begun to utilize the Ready, Set, Go Evacuation model for wildfires and other hazards. The model utilizes GIS property data to identify properties and evacuation routes. During a disaster residents can check to see if their address is included in an evacuation area. The information is located on the Cass County website at https://sheriff-casscountymn.hub.arcgis.com/

These three tiered systems include the following stages: READY – Prepare Now. (Yellow)

   Being “Ready” involves preparing your home, family, and emergency supplies well before a disaster occurs:

   • Understand hazards in your area and maintain defensible space around your home, clearing dry brush and vegetation up to 100–200 feet from structures.

   • Create a Wildfire Action Plan or general emergency plan, including evacuation routes, family meeting points, and out-of-town contacts.

   Assemble an emergency go-bag with at least 72 hours of supplies for each family member, including:

   • Water and non-perishable food, Medications and prescriptions, Critical documents (IDs, insurance, passports), Flashlights, sturdy shoes, and cash, Pet supplies and any special equipment for vulnerable family members.

   Register for local emergency notifications and stay connected with local authorities via social media or official channels.

   SET – Be Alert (Orange)

   The “Set” stage focuses on situational awareness:

   • Stay informed about current threats through local media, emergency alerts, and public safety notifications.

   • Consider voluntary relocation to a safe location if danger is approaching. Keep your go-bag accessible and ensure your vehicle is ready for a quick evacuation.

   •  Pay attention to the unique needs of family members, pets, and neighbors who may require assistance.

   GO – Evacuate (Red)

   The “Go” stage is immediate action when danger is life-threatening:

   • Evacuate promptly to designated shelters or safe locations with family and pets.

   • Follow pre-planned evacuation routes and avoid delays; do not wait for official orders if you feel threatened.

   • Wear protective clothing and ensure your go-bag and emergency supplies are loaded in your vehicle.

   • Continue monitoring updates from authorities during evacuation.

   If you have questions about the Nixle system, you can contact Deputy Chad Emery, Emergency

Management, at 218-547-7437.

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