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Conditions are changing. Be ready to leave fast!

  • Monitor fire conditions and follow official updates 

  • Load go-kits and essentials into your car 

  • Review your family communication and evacuation plan  

  • Check on neighbors who may need help 

Monitor fire conditions and follow official updates

Make sure you monitor up-to-date sources on weather and fire conditions and know how to receive official emergency alerts, no matter your location. 

 

Load go-kits and essentials into your car

It’s important to know how you will leave, where you will go, and what route you will take if you get a pre‑evacuation warning or an evacuation order. Use our checklist to learn the ways in and out of your neighborhood and what you will do if you need to leave quickly.  

  • Keep a full tank of gas if an evacuation seems possible. 

  • Keep at least a half tank of gas at all times in case you must leave suddenly. 

  • Take only one car per family to help reduce traffic. 

  • You can always leave early if you feel unsafe or need extra time. 

  • If you do not have a car: 

    • Plan how you will leave ahead of time. 

    • Talk with family, friends, or your local emergency management office about possible transportation. 

    • Follow instructions from local officials. Your evacuation route may involve walking, depending on where you live.

Review your family communication and evacuation plan

Don’t wait for orders: If it’s safer to leave before a mandatory order is issued, or you need additional time, leave. 

Protect your home before evacuating: If you have time before evacuating follow these steps to give your home the best chance of surviving a wildfire: 

Inside the house

  • Close all windows and doors but leave them unlocked 

  • Take down flammable window treatments like shades and curtains 

  • Move anything that burns easily to the middle of rooms, away from windows and doors 

  • Turn off the gas at the meter and pilot lights 

Outside the house

  • Bring in flammable items from outside like patio furniture, doormats, toys, and trash bins 

  • Shut off propane tanks 

  • Move grills and other propane BBQ appliances away from the house 

  • Don’t leave sprinklers or water running as it can lower critical water pressure 

  • Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters

Check on neighbors who may need help

Alert neighbors of your evacuation plan and learn theirs. If a neighbor needs help ensure they have your phone number or a way to reach you to ask for assistance. Download an evacuation plan checklist.


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