If evacuation is anticipated and time allows, follow this checklist to give your family and home the best chance of survival. Complete the Family Communication Plan on the opposite side for each family member and keep in your wildfire and emergency “Go Kit(s).”
WILDFIRE & EMERGENCY “GO KIT”
Put together an emergency supply kit in advance for each family member and keep it easily accessible. Plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time. Each person should have their own Go Kit. Store kits in backpacks.
☐ Bandana, N95 respirator, goggles, leather gloves, long shirt and pants
(cotton or wool), boots, hat
☐ Flashlight and headlamp with spare batteries
☐ Extra car keys, credit cards, cash
☐ Map marked with two evacuation routes (if possible)
☐ Prescription medications
☐ Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
☐ First aid kit
☐ Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
☐ Copies of important docs (birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, etc.)
☐ Pet food and water, leashes, pet supplies and medications
☐ Water bottles and food
☐ Sanitation supplies
☐ Change of clothing
☐ Spare chargers for cell phones, laptops, etc.
Items to take only if time allows:
☐ Easily carried valuables
☐ Family photos, small heirlooms, and other irreplaceable items
☐ Personal computer data and digital information backups on hard drives and/or disks
ALWAYS:
COMMUNICATIONS
Keep your cell phone fully charged.
Notify an out-of-area contact of your phone number, location and status. Update regularly.
Leave a note with your contact info and out-of-area contact taped to fridge or inside a front window.
Check on or call neighbors to alert them to prepare at first sign of fire.
ON YOUR PERSON
Dress all family members in long sleeves and long pants; heavy cotton or wool is best, no matter how hot it is.
Wear full coverage goggles, leather gloves, head protection.
Cover faces with a dry cotton or wool bandanna or scarf over an N95 respirator. Tie long hair back.
Carry a headlamp and flashlight (even during the day).
Carry car keys, wallet, ID, cell phone, and spare battery.
Drink plenty of water, stay hydrated.
Put “Go Kits” (reverse) in your vehicle.
PETS & ANIMALS
Locate your pets and place in carriers NOW. You won’t be able to catch them when the fire approaches.
Be sure your pets wear tags and are registered with microchips.
Place carriers (with your pets in them) near the front door, with fresh water and extra food. Prepare horses and large animals for transport and consider moving them to a safe location early, before evacuation is ordered.
IF TIME ALLOWS:
INSIDE THE HOUSE
Shut all windows and doors (interior too) and leave them unlocked.
Remove combustible window shades and curtains; close metal shutters.
Move furniture to the center of the room, away from windows.
Leave indoor and outdoor lights on.
Shut off HVAC and ceiling fans.
OUTSIDE & IN NEIGHBORHOOD
Place combustible outdoor items (patio furniture, toys, doormats, trash cans, etc.) in garage or 30’ from structures (optional: place in a pool).
Shut off gas at the meter or propane tank; move small tanks at least 15’ away from combustibles.
Connect garden hoses with squeeze grip nozzles to outdoor spigots for use by firefighters. Fill water buckets and place around outside of house, especially near decks and fences. Clean your gutters and blow leaves away from house.
Back your car into driveway, loaded, with doors and windows closed.
Prop open fence and side gates.
Place ladder(s) at the corner(s) of structures for firefighters.
Seal attic and ground vents with precut plywood or metal covers (even duct tape will protect from ember entry) if time allows.
Patrol your property and monitor conditions. Leave if spot fires ignite or conditions change.
WHEN YOU LEAVE:
Leave immediately if ordered.
Don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel unsafe or conditions change; leave early if unsure.
Assist elderly or disabled neighbors.
Carpool with neighbors to reduce traffic.
Take only essential vehicles with adequate fuel.
In your car, turn on headlights, close windows, turn on inside air and AC, tune to local radio.
Drive slowly and defensively; be observant.
The best evacuation route is usually the one you know best. Take the fastest paved route to a valley floor, away from the fire if possible.
Proceed downhill, away from the fire if possible. Know at least two routes.
If roads are impassable or you are trapped: take shelter in a building, car, or an open area; park in an outside turn if trapped on a hillside; stay far from vegetation; look for wide roads, parking lots, playing fields, etc.
If trapped, you are better protected inside a building or vehicle.
Don’t abandon your car in the road if passage is impossible. If you must leave your car, park it off the road and consider other options for shelter.
Evacuate on foot only as a last resort.
Don’t evacuate by fire road, uphill, or into open-space areas with unburned vegetation. Remain calm - panic is deadly.