Wildfire evacuation checklist
What to pack, what to do to your house if you have minutes, and when to leave — the Ready, Set, Go approach used by fire departments across the US.
Ready, Set, Go
- Ready — before fire season: make a plan, pack go-bags, clear flammable material near the house, sign up for your county's emergency alerts.
- Set — when a fire is nearby or a warning is issued: load the car, park it facing out, keep your phone charged, be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
- Go — when told to evacuate, or earlier if you feel unsafe: leave immediately, following the routes officials give.
The six P's
- People and pets — and pet carriers, leashes, food.
- Papers — IDs, insurance, deeds, passports, phone numbers (also as photos or in the cloud).
- Prescriptions — medicines, glasses, hearing aids, medical devices.
- Pictures — and irreplaceable keepsakes.
- Personal computers — hard drives, chargers, power banks.
- Plastic — credit cards, some cash.
Go-bag checklist
- Water and non-perishable food for three days per person
- N95 respirators for everyone (for smoke)
- Change of clothes, sturdy shoes, a flashlight and spare batteries
- First-aid kit and a supply of medications
- Phone chargers and a power bank; a battery or crank radio
- Copies of important documents; a printed map of evacuation routes
If you have a few minutes before leaving
- Close all windows, doors and vents; leave doors unlocked for firefighters.
- Move flammable furniture away from windows; take down lightweight curtains.
- Shut off gas at the meter; turn off pilot lights.
- Bring in patio cushions, doormats, trash cans; move propane tanks away from the house.
- Leave exterior lights on so crews can see the house through smoke.
- Don't leave sprinklers running — they drain the water pressure firefighters need.
Sources: Ready.gov wildfires; International Association of Fire Chiefs “Ready, Set, Go!” program; CAL FIRE evacuation guidance.
Questions
When should I evacuate for a wildfire?
Immediately when officials order it — and earlier if you feel unsafe, have mobility needs, or have large animals to move. Waiting for the flames to be visible is the most common deadly mistake.
What is the difference between an evacuation warning and an order?
A warning means be ready to leave — people who need extra time should go now. An order means leave now; the area is under immediate threat.
Where do I get evacuation orders?
From your county sheriff or office of emergency management — sign up for your county's emergency alert system, and follow local officials on radio and social media.
Get alerts before the smoke arrives
Wildfire Tracker for iPhone: fires near your saved places, containment, wind direction and air quality — with alerts only for fires that are actually active. Free, no account.