Actively preparing for evacuations is critical for preparing you for wildfires. Taking a proactive approach is key in helping keep you and your loved ones safe during emergencies. Below are some resources that can help you come up with a plan for evacuating during wildfire emergencies. For additional information about evacuation preparation, please visit https://www.readyforwildfire.org/.
Review Your Evacuation Order Checklist
Review steps to protect your home and property before you evacuate. As part of your evacuation preparation, consider:
- Familiarizing yourself with local evacuation-related resources: locate resources on your local Office of Emergency Services or Sheriff's Department websites, review CAL FIRE's Incident Information Page, and follow verified social media accounts for local authorities and news sources that share updates during evacuation orders.
- Signing up for mobile alerts: CodeRED, and NIXLE on your mobile device to have emergency evacuation notices sent directly to your phone.
For more information about actions you can take based on evacuation order status, please view:
- Pre-Evacuation Order Checklist from the UC ANR Fire Network (2024) - English
- Pre-Evacuation Order Checklist from the UC ANR Fire Network (2024) - Spanish
Before evacuation, you can also complete and print out this Resident Identification Card and place it in your front window to assist first responders during evacuation orders. To access Resident Identification Card templates, please view:
- Residential Identification Card from the UC ANR Fire Network (2024) - English
- Residential Identification Card from the UC ANR Fire Network (2024) - Spanish
Prepare Your Evacuation Bag
Prepare an evacuation bag for every person in your household before a wildfire and keep it easily accessible. Bags should include items like car keys, credit cards, cash, copies of important documents, medications, extra clothes, first aid materials, toiletries, and more. Plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time. Make bags light enough to be able to lift into your vehicle. For more information about putting together evacuation bags, please view:
- Evacuation Bag Checklist from the UC ANR Fire Network (2024) - English
- Evacuation Bag Checklist from the UC ANR Fire Network (2024) - Spanish
What to Wear During an Evacuation
Dress in natural-fibered clothes (cotton or wool) that will protect you from heat, embers, and flames. Keep these items near your evacuation bag so they are readily available. Examples of what to wear during evacuation include:
- Cotton hat
- Glasses or full coverage goggles
- Heavy shoes or boots
- Leather work gloves
- Long pants with a sturdy belt
- Long-sleeved shirt that covers your neck
- An N95 mask or other face covering
- Cotton or wool socks