Preparing your family and home for a wildfire can save lives and property. Know the steps before a wildfire arrives.
Download your Personal Wildfire Action Plans:
Defensible space is the required space between a structure and the wildland area that, under normal conditions, creates a sufficient buffer to slow or halt the spread of wildfire to a structure.
Construction materials and the quality of the defensible space surrounding it are what gives a home the best chance to survive a wildfire.
Create a Family Disaster Plan that includes evacuation routes, meeting locations, and communication plans, and rehearse it regularly. Include in your plan the evacuation of large animals, such as horses and livestock, as well as pets.
Assemble or buy an emergency supply kit or "Go Bag" as recommended by the American Red Cross. Keep it in your car in case you can't get home.
Alert family and neighbors that you may be evacuating and let them know of your plans.
Dress in appropriate clothing. Wear long sleeves and long pants made of natural fibers.
Remain close to your house, drink plenty of water, and keep an eye on your family and pets until you are ready to leave.
Prepare your home by removing flammable materials, shutting off gas and air conditioning, and shutting doors and windows.
Remember the 6 P's of Evacuation:
People & pets
Papers, phone numbers & important documents
Prescriptions, vitamins & eyeglasses
Pictures & irreplaceable memorabilia
Personal computer, hard drive & disks
“Plastic” (credit cards, ATM cards) & cash
When to leave: Leave early enough to avoid being caught in fire, smoke, or road congestion. Don’t wait to be told by authorities to leave.
Where to go: Leave for a predetermined location (it should be a low-risk area, such as a well-prepared neighbor's or relative’s house, a Red Cross shelter or evacuation center, motel, etc.)
How to get there: Have several travel routes in case one route is blocked by the fire or by emergency vehicles and equipment. Choose an escape route away from the fire.
What to bring: Take your emergency supply kit containing your family and pets’ necessary items.