Evacuating During a Wildfire
When wildfires ignite, they can spread very quickly.
It’s important to know how to evacuate and what to bring with you.
If wild land fires threaten your area, listen to your radio or television for reports and evacuation information,
and follow the directions of local authorities.
Every home and workplace/vehicle should have a basic disaster kit.
This kit is specific to the needs of you and your loved ones.
The Five P’s of Immediate Evacuation:
People and Pets – And other livestock too
Papers – Important documents
Prescriptions – Medications, eyeglasses, hearing aids
Pictures – Irreplaceable memories
Personal Computer – Information on hard drives and disks
Before the Fire:
Collect valuables, important documents,
medications and other personal items in one place and ready for evacuation.
What you can fit into your vehicle is what you can take.
Make priorities by determining what is replaceable and what is not.
Maintain a disaster supplies kit. This includes a first aid kit, emergency tools,
a battery-powered radio and flashlight, extra batteries, car keys, credit cards,
water and non-perishable food. Also consider blankets and sleeping bags.
Determine your need to have coverings for windows and skylights to increase fire resistance.
Have these coverings readily accessible.
Have a means of transporting pets and livestock readily available.
Make sure the needs of children and any elderly or disabled family members are met.
Clearly post your name and address, so it can be seen from the street.
Establish and practice a family evacuation plan and a meeting location. Determine who you will notify about your evacuation. Determine where you will get fire updates.
When Fire Is Nearby:
Park your vehicle facing out. Put your valuables in the car. Place the car keys where you can find them quickly.
Dress appropriately. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves and a handkerchief.
Confine or secure pets to one room or area. Prepare them to be transported.
Move all flammable furniture (including outdoor furniture) to the center of your home.
Keep your electricity on and leave some lights on.
Close shutters, blinds and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight drapes and curtains.
Close fireplace dampers and fireplace screens.
Shut all interior and exterior doors, and leave them unlocked.
Place a note attached to the front door stating the names of all evacuees, the time and date of your evacuation, your destination and your contact information.
Connect a garden hose to a faucet and leave buckets full of water around your house.
Place a ladder outside for roof access.
