It’s just a matter of time before you and your family may receive notice that a wildfire is near and that you have to evacuate within minutes. Preparing now is key to your family’s safe evacuation in the case of a wildfire.
Be Ready to Evacuate
– Set a meet-up location that you all know outside of the area. You’ll be able to determine if everyone got out.
– Plan and regularly practice multiple escape routes out of your home and out of the neighborhood or area.
– Know a plan for how you will evacuate all pets, livestock and other animals under your care.
– Designate a family member or friend in another area as a point person for all family communications. This centralizes information and communication for your loved ones and reduces congested phone lines during an emergency.
Prepare For a Fire Emergency:
– Keep working fire extinguishers in your home and ensure that each person knows how to use them. Check extinguisher expiration dates regularly.
– Make sure that each family member knows where all utility shut-offs are located and how to safely shut off each (water, gas, electricity.)
– Put together your family emergency supply kit, based on recommendations from the American Red Cross. See below for a basic list.
– Keep copies of your emergency contact numbers posted in an obvious place at home and in your emergency supply kits.
– Place an extra emergency supply kit and information in your car(s), in case your home is inaccessible during an emergency.
– Keep a portable radio or scanner that you can use during an evacuation to keep updated on the latest fire information.
– Share information. Talk with neighbors about Ready! Set! Go! and your Wildfire Action Plan.
Emergency Supply Kit:
– Three day supply of non-perishable food, three gallons of water per person
– Map marked with evacuation routes
– Prescriptions, medications
– Change of clothing
– Extra eyeglasses, contact lenses
– Extra car key copies
– Money (credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks)
– Flashlight Battery-powered radio, extra batteries
– Sanitation supplies
– Important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
– Pet food and water
What to Bring If You Have Time:
– Easily carried valuables
– Family photos, other irreplaceable items
– Personal computer information on hard drives, disks
– Chargers for cell phones, laptops
Having a plan keeps everyone calm and organized! Make sure to communicate all information with your family and primary point of contact.
