Risks associated with both evacuation and SIP (continued):
- If family and relatives are not properly informed of loved ones and friends needing to evacuate or SIP, unnecessary stress, constant worrying and concern may arise, which can lead to frustration and individuals not being cooperative during the emergency situation. This added dimension, along with providing prescribed medication for the elderly and infirmed, must be taken into consideration by the IC and be appropriately addressed within the unified command incident action plan.
Finally, if a facility (e.g., a hospital) is asked to shelter in place, but the surrounding residential community is ordered to evacuate, family members and others may be confused and upset. Public officials and ICs should be prepared to explain why both evacuation and SIP may both be used for the same incident.