WILDFIRE EVACUATION PLANNING

Firefighters work diligently preventing and fighting fires throughout the year. However, as
environmental elements influence wildfire behavior, severity of conditions can cause fires to burn so
intensely that even the most aggressive firefighting efforts cannot provide immediate control of a
wildfire.

photo by Mail Tribune


Firefighters’ top priority is to protect life. If an active fire is threatening residences, firefighters will evacuate the area.

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to have an evacuation plan and emergency kit assembled long before an evacuation is ordered.

Before a Fire Threatens:

Have an Evacuation Plan:

• Locate your evacuation routes and communicate them with family members prior to an
emergency.
• Prearrange a list of emergency contact numbers.
• Have an assembled emergency kit ready in your car.


Assemble Emergency Kit:

• Pack a first aid kit with a supply of all your family’s prescription medicine
• Include personal hygiene supplies
• Extra set of eye glasses
• Pack extra cash, checks or credit cards.
• Baby supplies (diapers, wipes, formula. Ect.)
• Pet supplies
• Cell phones and contact numbers
• Flashlight w spare batteries
• Sleeping bags/Pillows
• Water / nonperishable food


When there is Potential for Evacuation:

• Follow news media reports for evacuation information.
• Have your vehicle parked facing out, windows rolled up, and doors unlocked with keys in the
ignition or on you.

• Gather pets and confine them to one room.
• Arrange temporary housing for yourself and your pets.
• Pack your emergency kit and supplies.
• Gather irreplaceable family mementoes (photos, heirlooms, and child’s favorite toy).


Only if time allows:

• Close your windows, vents, doors, and remove lightweight curtains.
• Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
• Open fireplace dampers. Close fireplace screens.
• Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding glass
doors.
• Turn on a light in each room to increase your home’s visibility in heavy smoke.
• Seal attic and ground vents.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Place combustible patio furniture inside.
• Wet down shrubbery within twenty-five feet of your home, start on the downhill side.


If Told to Evacuate:

• Wear protective clothing (long sleeve shirt, and pants).
• Take your Emergency kit.
• Lock your home.
• Tell someone when you left and where you’re going.
• Choose a route away from fire hazards.