A wildfire evacuation plan helps your family know what to do, where to go, and how to stay in touch when a wildfire threatens your community. Planning ahead can save valuable time and reduce stress when seconds matter. The Red Cross offers a workbook for you and your family to use as a guide in preparation.
1. Talk About Wildfire Risks
Begin by understanding how wildfires can affect your area and what official evacuation levels mean. Make sure everyone in your household knows the difference between being ready, being set to leave, and needing to go immediately.
2. Choose Evacuation Routes
Identify at least two ways out of your neighborhood in case one road is blocked. Plan routes to:
- A nearby safe location
- A meeting place outside your evacuation zone
- A family member or friend’s home outside the wildfire area
Write these down and review them with everyone in your household so they’re familiar and easy to follow if you need to leave quickly.
3. Set Family Meeting Places
Decide on two meeting places:
- One near your home (in case you must leave quickly)
- One outside your immediate area (in case you’re separated or can’t return home right away)
Make sure all family members know these locations and how to get there.
4. Build a Communication Plan
Wildfires and other emergencies can disrupt cell service. Decide how your family will stay in contact:
- Choose a designated out-of-area contact person everyone check-ins with if you get separated.
- Share phone numbers and email addresses.
- Consider text messages or social apps that work without strong signals.
5. Prepare Your Emergency Supply Kit
Your evacuation plan should always include a prepared “go bag” for each family member with essentials like water, food, medications, keys, important documents, and emergency supplies. Having this kit ready means you can leave quickly if needed.
6. Plan for Pets and Animals
Include pets in your plan:
- Know where you’ll take them if you evacuate
- Have carriers, leashes, food, water, and vaccination records ready
- Arrange for livestock relocation if needed
7. Practice Your Plan
Just like a fire drill, review and practice your evacuation plan regularly. Make sure kids know the routes, meeting places, and what to grab from the emergency kit. Practicing helps make the response automatic in a stressful situation.
8. Stay Informed
Sign up for local emergency alerts from your county or fire district. Monitor weather and wildfire updates so you know when evacuation levels change and when it’s time to act.
Why a Plan Matters
Wildfires can spread quickly and conditions can change with little notice. By preparing before wildfire season begins, you give your family the best chance to stay safe, stay calm, and get out ahead of danger.