A wildfire evacuation checklist starts long before the fire: pack a go bag with respirators, know several ways out, and plan for pets. When officials suggest leaving, leave right away. Don't wait for a mandatory order. Close windows and doors, shut off gas, and call 911 if you're trapped.
This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.
Know your ways out. The CDC suggests finding several ways to leave your area, driving the evacuation routes and finding shelter locations ahead of time.
Know the plan. CAL FIRE's guide says to know your community's emergency plan, evacuation routes and destinations.
Pack a go bag. Keep it ready to grab. The CDC says to include NIOSH Approved respirators, which filter out smoke and ash before you breathe them in. Our sister site's go bag checklist covers the rest.
Plan for the people at higher risk. The CDC names children, people who are pregnant, and people with asthma, COPD, diabetes or heart disease.
Plan for pets. The CDC notes that some evacuation centers don't accept animals, so prepare your pets in advance.
Pick a clean-air room. Choose a room you can close off from outside air, and set up a portable air cleaner or filter there (CDC).
Get alerts. The CDC suggests the Emergency Alert System, NOAA Weather Radio and AirNow's Fire and Smoke Map.
This is the most important part. CAL FIRE says that if fire officials suggest evacuating, it's best to leave right away, and that it's safer to leave before a mandatory order is issued. Keep an eye on the fire, and don't wait for an order if you feel at risk. The CDC adds that you should always follow instructions from local emergency management officials.
Leaving early also gives you time to load pets and make sure everyone in the house is with you.
These steps come from CAL FIRE's Go! evacuation guide. Only do them if you have time. Never delay leaving to finish the list.
Inside the house
Close all windows and doors, but leave them unlocked.
Take down flammable shades and curtains, and close metal shutters.
Move anything that burns easily to the middle of rooms, away from windows and doors.
Turn off the gas at the meter and turn off pilot lights.
Leave lights on so firefighters can see your house in smoke.
Switch off the air conditioning.
Outside the house
Bring in flammable items like patio furniture, toys, doormats and trash bins.
Shut off propane tanks, and move grills away from the house.
Attach garden hoses to outside taps for firefighters, and fill buckets with water.
Don't leave sprinklers or water running, because it can lower critical water pressure.
Keep exterior lights on so your home is visible in smoke or darkness.
Put your emergency kit in the car, and park in the driveway facing out, with all doors and windows shut.
Check with neighbors to make sure they're ready too.
CAL FIRE's advice is to stay calm and use your cell phone to call 911. Then:
In a vehicle: park in an area clear of vegetation, close all windows and vents, cover up with a wool blanket or jacket, and lie on the floor.
On foot: move to a clear area, like a ditch or flat ground, lie face down and cover your body.
At home: gather your family, fill sinks and tubs with cold water, keep doors and windows closed but unlocked, and stay inside away from outside walls and windows.
The CDC says smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs, make it hard to breathe, and cause coughing or wheezing.
Stay inside if authorities tell you to. If you must go out, wear a NIOSH Approved respirator that fits tightly and is worn correctly. The CDC lists N95 and P100 respirators as the most protective.
Children 2 years and older can wear respirators or masks. Choose a size that fits over the nose and under the chin without blocking their vision. The CDC notes approved respirators generally don't come in sizes for very young children.
Keep indoor air clean. Avoid burning anything indoors, including candles, gas, propane, incense and wood. Avoid smoking, cooking on a stove and vacuuming.
Use filters. If your system can handle it, the CDC suggests MERV 13 or higher filters and setting the system to recirculate. Never leave a do-it-yourself box fan filter unattended.
Watch the heat. AirNow warns that staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in extreme heat if you don't have air conditioning. Find somewhere else to shelter.
Check the Air Quality Index (AQI). 0 to 50 is good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and 301 or higher hazardous.
When to get help: the CDC says to get medical help for any new or worsening symptoms. If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your doctor's instructions and your asthma plan. If someone has severe trouble breathing, call 911.
Don't go home until authorities say it is safe, and go back in daylight, when hazards are easier to see (CDC).
Look out for downed power lines, be careful with propane tanks and gas lines, and check for hidden embers or fires (CAL FIRE).
Wear a NIOSH Approved N95 respirator, goggles, gloves, long sleeves, long pants and closed shoes with socks while you check or clean up. Wash ash off your skin, eyes or mouth as soon as you can (CDC).
Children should not do any cleanup work (CDC).
If you have a private well, it may be contaminated after a wildfire. Don't assume the water is safe (CDC).
Losing a home or nearly losing one is hard. The CDC lists the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for support.
As soon as fire officials suggest it. CAL FIRE says it's safer to leave before a mandatory order, and not to wait for an order if you feel at risk.
Yes. CAL FIRE says to leave lights on so firefighters can see your house in smoke, and to keep exterior lights on too.
A NIOSH Approved respirator, such as an N95 or P100, that fits tightly and is worn correctly. The CDC says a respirator must fit tightly to filter well.
Only when authorities or fire officials say it's safe. Go back in daylight and watch for power lines, gas lines and hidden embers.
Family Ready: Emergency Plan is a free iPhone app, with optional paid upgrades, that includes an editable emergency kit checklist based on Ready.gov and Get Prepared guidance, with optional sections for children, older adults, pets and rural homes. Its free Emergency Card keeps who to call first and key health details, and opens without internet once your phone is unlocked. It does not replace emergency services, so leave when officials say to go.
Get Family Ready free on the App Store