Preparing for a Wildfire Evacuation 0 of 31 Essential All
Safety · 31 steps, 9 essential
· sources checked 26 Oct 2026 · 4 of 8 · 8 sources
Preparing for a Wildfire Evacuation Wildfires can spread rapidly and force evacuations with little warning. Preparing in advance and knowing how to act as a threat develops can save lives.
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01
Before Fire Season (Weeks–Months Ahead)
Create defensible space around your home Zone 1 extends 30 feet from buildings, structures, decks, etc. or to your property line, whichever is closer, and Zone 2 extends from 30 feet to 100 feet out. Check local ordinances — some areas like San Diego County require 50 feet of clearance in Zone 1, stricter than state minimums. Clear flammable ground cover Use gravel, pavers, or concrete instead of combustible mulch, and clear dead weeds, grass, and debris; check roofs, gutters, and outdoor areas. Keep vegetation trimmed back from structures Keep branches trimmed 10 feet away from chimneys and stovepipes and minimize combustible items like furniture and planters near the house. Assemble a "Go Bag" for each household member Your 'Go Bag' should be easy to carry and access; use backpacks to store items like essentials and personal documents, and for food and water consider a wheeled tub or chest for easier transport. Pack critical documents and irreplaceables in the Go Bag Papers and important documents (photo identification, birth certificates, social security cards, passports, visas, insurance policy, mortgage deed or rental agreement, medical records, banking or financial records), plus pictures and other irreplaceable memorabilia. Pack prescriptions and tech essentials Prescriptions (medications, eyeglasses and medical devices), phones, personal computers, hard drives or disks, and chargers, and cash. Write a family emergency plan Sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency. Store the plan somewhere accessible Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster. Learn multiple evacuation routes You may have to evacuate quickly due to a wildfire; learn your evacuation routes, practice with pets and identify where you will go. A single blocked route can leave you trapped. Enable emergency alerts on your phone Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your cell phone; visit Ready.gov/alerts to learn more. Plan transport in advance if own livestock If you don't have a trailer, arrange transport with companies or neighbors in advance. Keep animals' medical records, registration papers, and photos, along with your disaster kit. Plan extra lead time if older disabled or no transportation Act early if you are older or have children, disabilities or limited access to transportation.
02
When a Wildfire Threat Is Reported Nearby
Keep your Go Bag in the vehicle Ensure your Emergency Supply Kit/Evacuation Bag is in your vehicle. Monitor official sources continuously Monitor wildfires in your area and know your community's emergency response plan, evacuation orders, and evacuation centers. Review your evacuation checklist with the household Go over your Evacuation Plan Checklist often; make sure it includes where to meet, who to call, and how to leave safely. Bring flammable outdoor items inside Bring in flammable items from outside, like patio furniture, toys, doormats, and trash bins, or place them in your pool. Ready your home's exterior for firefighter access Attach garden hoses to outside taps for firefighter use and fill buckets with water to scatter around. Don't leave sprinklers running. Remove flammable window coverings Take down flammable window treatments like shades and curtains. Act now to protect animal areas if keep animals on property Search for any hidden embers or fires and create defensible space around barns and pastures like you do for your home. Decide where pets and livestock will go if have pets or livestock Decide where to take or leave pets, and note that firefighters focus on controlling wildfires and may not evacuate livestock; they might cut fences or open gates for trapped animals.
03
When Evacuation Order Is Issued — Leave Now
Dress for ember and heat protection before leaving Cover up to protect against heat and flying embers; wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, heavy shoes/boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses. Close all windows and doors but leave unlocked So firefighters can enter if needed. Grab your Go Bag and load the car immediately Pack your 'Go Bag' or Emergency Kit, ready to grab. Leave via your known route without delay Do not wait to see if the fire actually reaches you; roads can close or fill with traffic within minutes. Follow local authority instructions exactly They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures. If leaving animals behind, prepare them for survival if leaving animals behind Leave them in a cleared area with enough hay for 48-72 hours; don't rely on automatic watering systems. If trapped and unable to leave, call for help and signal your location If trapped, call 9-1-1 and give your location, but be aware that emergency response could be delayed or impossible; turn on lights to help rescuers find you. That’s everything. Nice work.
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