Emergency Procedures & Evacuation Protocols
Authority: Emergency Management Act 2041
Last Updated: December 15, 2048
Status: Permanent Emergency Status (Active since September 1, 2041)
⚠ CRITICAL NOTICE: The Authority operates under permanent emergency status. Normal procedures may be suspended without notice. All residents must comply immediately with emergency directives or face expulsion from protected zones.
1. Types of Emergencies
1.1 Zone-Level Emergencies
| Emergency Type |
Response Protocol |
Typical Duration |
| Security Breach |
Immediate lockdown, checkpoint closure |
6-48 hours |
| Hostile Activity |
Military response, curfew enforcement |
24 hours - 2 weeks |
| Medical Outbreak |
Quarantine procedures, travel restrictions |
2-8 weeks |
| Infrastructure Failure |
Resource rationing, zone evacuation (if severe) |
1 week - indefinite |
| Scorched Belt Expansion |
Mandatory evacuation, permanent zone closure |
Permanent |
1.2 Individual Emergencies
Personal emergencies recognized by The Authority:
- Medical Emergency: Life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment
- Family Emergency: Death or critical injury of immediate family member
- Property Emergency: Fire, flood, or destruction of primary residence
- Employment Emergency: Mandatory job transfer or termination requiring relocation
Note: Personal emergencies do NOT override zone-level lockdowns or travel restrictions. Individual needs are subordinate to collective security.
2. Emergency Travel Permits
2.1 When Emergency Permits Are Issued
Emergency travel permits may be requested for:
- Medical emergency requiring treatment in another zone
- Death in family (funeral attendance, zone-permitting)
- Mandatory employment transfer (with employer verification)
- Zone evacuation orders (issued automatically, no application needed)
2.2 Application Process
Standard Emergency Permit:
- Complete Form AR-901 (Emergency Travel Request)
- Provide documentation of emergency (medical records, death certificate, employer letter)
- Pay expedited processing fee: $500
- Processing time: 24-48 hours (no guarantee)
- Validity: Single use, 72 hours from issuance
Critical Emergency Permit (Life-Threatening):
- Present at nearest Authority office with medical documentation
- Pay critical expedite fee: $1,000
- Processing time: 2-6 hours
- Approval at Authority discretion
WARNING: Emergency permits are rarely approved. Approval rate: 8.3% (FY 2048). Denial is final with no appeal. Fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome.
2.3 Restrictions on Emergency Travel
Even with approved emergency permit, travel may be denied due to:
- Active zone lockdown
- Checkpoint closure or capacity limits
- Destination zone at maximum capacity
- Security risk assessment (no explanation required)
- Outstanding debts or violations
3. Zone Evacuation Procedures
3.1 Evacuation Authority
The Authority may order mandatory zone evacuation for:
- Scorched Belt expansion threatening zone borders
- Critical infrastructure failure (water, power, defense systems)
- Overwhelming security threats
- Population exceeding sustainable capacity
- Strategic redeployment of resources
Evacuation Orders: Mandatory. Refusal to evacuate is grounds for expulsion without compensation.
3.2 Historical Evacuations
| Zone |
Date |
Reason |
Population Relocated |
Current Status |
| Phoenix Enclave |
August 2039 |
Scorched Belt expansion |
43,000 |
Abandoned (uninhabitable) |
| Denver Station |
March 2042 |
Infrastructure failure |
28,000 |
Partially reoccupied (2046) |
| Memphis Junction |
November 2045 |
Security compromise |
19,000 |
Abandoned (too costly to repair) |
| Southern Border Zones |
December 2048 |
Strategic consolidation |
12,000 |
Permanently closed |
3.3 The December 2048 Border Closure
HISTORICAL RECORD - SOUTHERN BORDER CLOSURE:
On December 1, 2048, The Authority announced the permanent closure of all southern border checkpoints due to "resource consolidation and strategic defense priorities." Approximately 12,000 residents were given 30 days to relocate to northern zones.
Evacuation Window: December 1-31, 2048
Authorized Routes: Northern Route (Gates 15, 21, 27), Central Route (Gate 33), Eastern Route (Gate 39)
Outcome: 11,847 successfully relocated. 153 unaccounted for (presumed remained in closed zones or perished during crossing).
3.4 Evacuation Process
When evacuation is ordered:
- Notification (Day 0):
- Authority announces evacuation order via radio, public address, door-to-door notification
- Evacuation window provided (typically 7-30 days)
- Destination zones announced
- Registration (Days 1-3):
- All residents must register at Authority offices
- Emergency travel permits issued automatically (no fee)
- Destination zone assignment (based on capacity, not preference)
- Preparation (Duration of window):
- Pack belongings (weight limits apply - see Section 3.5)
- Settle debts and obligations
- Arrange transportation (Authority convoy or self-transport)
- Departure (Final days):
- Report to designated checkpoint
- Final document inspection
- Escorted passage to destination zone
- Zone Closure (After window expires):
- All checkpoints closed
- Defense systems deactivated
- Remaining residents considered trespassers (no Authority protection)
3.5 Evacuation Baggage Limits
Evacuees may bring:
- Authority Convoy Transport: 50 lbs per person (free)
- Self-Transport (Vehicle): 200 lbs per person + vehicle capacity
- Assisted Transport (Elderly/Disabled): 30 lbs per person (Authority provides vehicle)
Prohibited Items During Evacuation:
- Weapons or contraband (same as normal travel)
- Perishable food (exception: 3-day rations)
- Furniture or large appliances
- Flammable materials or hazardous goods
- Pets or livestock (exception: service animals with documentation)
Property Left Behind: No compensation. Becomes Authority property. Do not expect to retrieve belongings after zone closure.
4. Unauthorized Crossing Attempts
4.1 Definition
Unauthorized crossing includes:
- Attempting to pass through checkpoints without valid documents
- Crossing borders outside of designated checkpoints
- Using forged or expired emergency permits
- Evading checkpoint inspection
- Traveling during lockdowns or curfews
4.2 Statistics (FY 2048)
UNAUTHORIZED CROSSING DATA:
- Attempted Crossings: 2,847 (increase of 340% from 2047)
- Apprehensions: 2,612 (92% capture rate)
- Successful Crossings: 12 (0.4% - presumed forged documents)
- Deaths During Attempt: 223 (exposure, Scorched Belt hazards, armed confrontation)
- Peak Month: December 2048 (1,847 attempts during southern closure)
Common Causes of Death:
- Dehydration/exposure in Scorched Belt (78%)
- Armed confrontation with Authority patrols (12%)
- Wildlife/hazardous conditions (6%)
- Medical emergencies without treatment (4%)
4.3 Penalties for Unauthorized Crossing
| Offense |
Penalty |
| First Attempt (Solo) |
6 months detention, $5,000 fine, permanent travel restriction |
| Repeat Attempt |
2-5 years detention, $25,000 fine, zone expulsion |
| Organized Smuggling |
10-20 years detention, $100,000 fine |
| Facilitating Others |
Life detention (trafficking charges) |
4.4 Smuggling Networks
The Authority is aware of organized smuggling operations that facilitate unauthorized crossings. Known networks include:
ACTIVE INVESTIGATIONS - DO NOT ENGAGE:
- "The Ferryman" - Unidentified smuggler(s) operating along southern routes. Suspected of facilitating 300+ illegal crossings since 2046. $50,000 reward for information leading to capture.
- "Underground Railroad" - Resistance-affiliated network providing false documents and safe houses. Linked to 47+ successful crossings in 2048.
- "Scorched Guides" - Former zone residents who guide travelers through Scorched Belt. Extremely dangerous (60% mortality rate for clients).
5. Lockdown Procedures
5.1 Types of Lockdowns
| Level |
Scope |
Restrictions |
Typical Duration |
| Level 1 - Advisory |
Single checkpoint |
Delays expected, heightened inspection |
2-6 hours |
| Level 2 - Restricted |
Zone sector |
Travel discouraged, curfew possible |
6-24 hours |
| Level 3 - Lockdown |
Entire zone |
All travel suspended, mandatory curfew |
24-72 hours |
| Level 4 - Emergency |
Multi-zone |
Martial law, shoot-on-sight curfew |
72 hours - indefinite |
5.2 Behavior During Lockdowns
During any lockdown:
- Remain in your residence or nearest Authority facility
- Do not attempt to travel
- Comply immediately with all Authority orders
- Monitor radio for updates and instructions
- Report suspicious activity
- Conserve resources (food, water, medicine)
CURFEW VIOLATIONS: Individuals found outside during curfew without authorization will be detained. Repeat violations or failure to comply with orders may result in lethal force under Emergency Powers Act 2041.
6. Emergency Contact Information
6.1 Emergency Hotlines
| Emergency Type |
Phone Number |
Availability |
| General Emergency |
24/7 |
| Medical Emergency |
24/7 |
| Security Threat |
24/7 |
| Evacuation Information |
During evacuations only |
| Anonymous Tip Line |
24/7 |
6.2 Regional Emergency Command Centers
7. Emergency Supplies
7.1 Recommended Emergency Kit
All zone residents should maintain:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day, 7-day supply)
- Non-perishable food (7-day supply)
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and batteries
- Battery-powered radio
- Copies of important documents (ID, travel permits, medical records)
- Basic tools
- Cash ($500 minimum recommended)
- Medications (30-day supply)
7.2 Evacuation "Go Bag"
Keep a packed bag ready for immediate evacuation:
- 3-day supply of essentials (food, water, medications)
- All identification and travel documents (originals)
- Cash and valuables
- Change of clothes
- Family contact information
- Keep weight under 50 lbs (convoy weight limit)
8. Emergency Preparation FAQ
Can I request evacuation if I feel unsafe?
No. Evacuation orders are issued by The Authority only. Individual residents cannot request zone evacuation. Apply for standard travel permit if you wish to relocate voluntarily.
What if I can't afford emergency travel fees?
Emergency travel permits require payment. No waivers or payment plans available. If you cannot afford emergency travel, you cannot travel.
Will The Authority help me evacuate?
During mandatory evacuations, The Authority provides convoy transport (50 lb limit per person). During voluntary travel, you are responsible for your own transportation.
What happens to my property if I evacuate?
Property left behind becomes Authority property. No storage, no compensation, no retrieval. Plan accordingly.
Can I refuse evacuation orders?
No. Refusal is grounds for immediate expulsion without escort. You will be forced into the Scorched Belt without supplies or protection.
Legal Authority: Emergency Management Act 2041 | Emergency Powers Act 2041 (Permanent) | Evacuation Protocol Directive 2042
Last Major Update: December 2048 (Southern Border Closure)
Document ID: AUTH-EMER-2048-v4.7