What to do when it’s time to evacuate during a wildfire

By
Tahoe Guide
-
Adobe Stock

It’s important to follow local notices and heed them immediately. Always leave early during an Evacuation Warning, if possible, to give yourself plenty of time. | readyforwildfire.org

During an Evacuation Warning

Inside the house

  • Pack a Go Bag or Emergency Kit, if not already prepared (details in this guide). Place in the car.
  • Check that your Wildfire Action Planis up to date. Find details in this guide.
  • Know your community’s emergency plan, evacuation routes and destinations.
  • Close all windows and doors but leave them unlocked.
  • Take down flammable window treatments like shades and curtains, and close metal shutters.
  • Clear away light 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.
  • Charge devices and consider getting backup batteries in case power outages continue.
  • Bring supplies such as water and non-perishable food for the car ride, along with what’s packed in a Go Bag.
  • Leave lights on so firefighters can see inside your house in smoke.
  • Switch off the air conditioning.

Outside the house

  • Bring in flammable items from outside like patio furniture, toys, doormats and trash bins. Alternatively, place them in a pool.
  • Shut off propane tanks.
  • Move grills and other propane BBQ appliances away from the house.
  • Attach garden hoses to outside taps for firefighter to use and fill buckets with water to scatter around.
  • Do NOT leave sprinklers or water running as it can lower critical water pressure.
  • Keep exterior lights on to make your home visible in smoky or dark conditions.
  • Park your car in the driveway, facing outwards, loaded and ready, with all doors and windows shut.
  • Have a ladder handy for firefighter roof access.
  • Seal attic and ground vents with plywood or commercial seals.
  • Fill up your gas tank and consider downloading a fuel app to check for outages along your evacuation route.
  • Keep an eye on the fire situation and don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel at risk.
  • Check with neighbors to ensure they’re also prepared.

Animals

  • Keep pets close and ready to go. Put a Pet Go Bag in the car.
  • Plan for farm animal evacuation early, arranging transport and safe locations.
  • Call the local animal control or humane society if you need assistance.

If you must leave pets

  • Leave pets indoors, not chained outside.
  • Use a safe room without windows and good ventilation.
  • Leave dry food and fresh water in non-spill containers for several days.
  • Fill a bathtub with water.

During an Evacuation Order

  • Leave immediately and use the designated route.
  • Download the FEMA app for a list of open shelters.
  • Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local instructions.
  • Take your emergency supply kit.
  • Take your pets with you but understand that only service animals may be allowed in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency now.
  • Let friends and family know before you leave and when you arrive.
  • Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going. Use the EVACUATION sign provided in this guide. Place in a plastic
  • Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
  • Check with neighbors who may need a ride.
  • Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts, they may be blocked.
  • Stay off Forest Service roads, which may be blocked or in use by fire personnel.
  • Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.
  • Avoid downed power or utility lines, they may be live with deadly voltage. Stay away and report them immediately or call 9-1-1. Never exit your vehicle if a downed line is over your vehicle.

If time allows

  • Call or email the out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.
  • Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding.
  • If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.

After an evacuation

If you are returning to disaster-affected areas, after significant events prepare for disruptions to daily activities and remember that returning home before storm debris is cleared is dangerous. Prepare your Disaster Survival Kit in advance; find details in this guide.

  • Only use generators outside and away from your home.
  • NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage or connect it to your home’s electrical system.

Courtesy Cal Fire

Smell natural gas? See downed powerlines?

Leave the area and call 9-1-1

Follow the Six Ps for immediate evacuations

• People & pets
• Papers, phone numbers & important documents
• Prescriptions, vitamins & eyeglasses
• Pictures & irreplaceable memorabilia
• Personal computer hard drive & disks
• Plastic (credit cards, ATM cards) & cash

Find a shelter / encontrar un refugio

  • FEMA app | fema.gov
  • Red Cross 24/7 help | (844) 236-0153

Animal services

Download Tahoe Guide’s 5th Annual Wildfire Preparedness Guide

Download the Spanish version

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR