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Has to leave home now because of a wildfire or flood

Use when a wildfire, flood or other danger means someone must leave home now, or may have to leave soon, and needs to know where to go and what to take.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
In this guide
  1. Get out first if told to go
  2. Find out what is happening
  3. Take what matters most
  4. Find a safe place to stay
  5. Keep pets safe
  6. After they are safe

1Get out first if told to go

If fire or water is close, or officials say "go now," leave right away. Do not wait to pack.
Never drive or walk into flood water. Moving water can sweep a car away.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
You can ask"Is anyone at home who can't leave alone, like an older person, a sick person or a child?"
If someone can't get out on their own, call 911 and say where the person is.

2Find out what is happening

Grant County Office of Emergency Management
County emergency management (fires, floods, evacuations)
575-574-0065
1400 Highway 180 E, Silver City · County office hours
Website ↗
Grant County - TextMyGov alerts
Free text-message emergency alerts for Grant County
575-574-4607
Silver City · 24/7
Website ↗
NM Fire Info (interagency)
Wildfire updates, fire restrictions and closures
· Online 24/7
Website ↗
NM Department of Transportation - NMRoads
Road conditions and closures (511)
511
· 24/7
Website ↗

3Take what matters most

Bring
  • medicine and pill bottles
  • photo ID and important papers
  • phone and charger
  • glasses, hearing aids, walker or cane
  • water and snacks
  • warm clothes and a blanket
  • pet food, leash or carrier
You can ask"Do you need medicine kept cold, oxygen, or power for a medical device?" If yes, tell 911 or the shelter staff.

4Find a safe place to stay

You can ask"Is there family or a friend outside the danger area you can stay with?"
American Red Cross - Arizona and New Mexico Region
Disaster and home fire help; emergency shelter locations
1-800-733-2767
· 24/7
Website ↗
At the Gospel MissionCome inside the Mission during open hours for a warm meal, coffee and a place to sit.
At the Gospel MissionWomen and children can ask about Sierra House at the Mission (575-388-5071).

5Keep pets safe

You can ask"Do you have pets?" Take them along if you can.
High Desert Humane Society
Animal shelter (strays, impounds, adoptions)
575-538-9261
3050 S Cougar Way, Silver City · Lobby Tue-Sat 8:30 am-5:30 pm; animal viewing from 11 am; closed Sun-Mon
Website ↗

6After they are safe

SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
24/7 crisis counseling after disasters
1-800-985-5990
· 24/7
Website ↗
At the Gospel MissionClothing, meals every weekday, showers, laundry and hygiene kits at 111 S. Texas St.
If the home was damaged or lost, use the guide "Lost their home or belongings in a fire, flood or disaster".

More help like this

No heat, or it's dangerously cold or hotUse when someone has no heat at home, is outside in freezing weather or extreme heat, or can't pay for heating.Lost their home or belongings in a fire, flood or disasterUse after a house fire, flood, storm or evacuation when someone has lost their home, clothes or papers.Stuck outside in freezing cold or snow (hypothermia or frostbite)Use when someone is outside or stranded in freezing weather or a snowstorm, is shivering hard, confused or very sleepy from cold, or has numb, white or gray skin.Someone is sleeping outside in dangerous cold or heatUse when you see someone sleeping or staying outside during freezing nights, snow, or extreme heat, and you are worried they may get sick or die.A fire is burning in a home, building or camp right nowUse when a fire has started in a home, apartment, building, car, tent or camp and people need to get out and stay safe.Smells gas, or a carbon monoxide alarm is going offUse when someone smells gas (rotten eggs), hears hissing from a gas line, or a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, or people feel sick from a heater, stove or generator.

See all guides in Emergency and first aid →

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week. See how →
Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.