Evacuation Level 1

“Be Ready”

Level1 20250710 FS Pomas Fire View From Holden Village Inciweb

What “Level 1” Means

Evacuation Level 1 is an official advisory indicating that hazardous conditions (like nearby wildfire activity, smoke, or changing weather) exist in your area and that you should prepare now in case evacuation becomes necessary. This is not a directive to leave yet, but rather a prompt to review your plans and supplies so you’re ready before minutes count.

At this level, emergency officials want you to:

Stay alert and aware of conditions.

Monitor local news, alerts, and public safety messages.

Everbridge Image

Sign-up for Everbridge emergency alerts:

Sign up for Everbridge emergency alerts:

Begin gathering important items

  • People and pets
  • Medications and medical equipment
  • Important documents
  • Phone chargers and essentials

Make an evacuation plan

  • Identify at least two routes out of your area
  • Choose a meeting place and an out-of-area contact

Help neighbors who may need extra assistance

People who need extra time to evacuate — individuals with mobility needs, those with small children, or those with livestock or large animals — may consider leaving before a Level 2 or Level 3 alert is issued. Remember, conditions can change quickly during an emergency. You may choose to leave early if you feel unsafe.

Your “Be Ready” Checklist

Small actions make a big difference.

Wildfires are a frequent occurrence in our area. We don’t need to wait until a wildfire starts to practice preparedness. Consider taking these “Level 1” preparations listed below before wildfire season begins. Taking precautions ahead of time will help you to feel more calm in the event of an emergency.

1. Have a Clear Family Evacuation Plan
  •  Identify multiple ways out of your community if conditions change.
  • Choose a safe meeting place with your household and an out-of-area contact everyone knows how to reach.
  • Review and practice your plan regularly so responses feel automatic.

Why it matters: When warning levels change, the earlier you can react with confidence, the safer you are — and the less you’ll have to make decisions under stress.

A basic kit should be ready long before an evacuation is ordered.
Essentials include:

  • Water (at least 1 gallon per person per day)
  • Non-perishable food for at least 3 days
  • Flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries
  • Medications, critical documents, spare keys, cash
  • Regional maps, plans, contact lists
  • Pet supplies (food, water, meds, collar/ID)

Having these items pre-assembled prevents scrambling at a stressful moment and gives you flexibility if conditions evolve.

  • Build a pet emergency kit with food, water, medicines, carriers/crates, leashes, ID tags, and health records.
  • Know where you can take your pets (friends, boarding, pet-friendly shelters or hotels), as not all public shelters allow animals.
  • For livestock, pre-arrange trailers, evacuation destinations, and necessary supplies.

Keep copies of vaccination records and consider adding photos to help reunite you and your pets if separated.

  • Sign up for county emergency alerts and notifications.
  • Monitor trusted local sources (radio, official county social media, emergency management websites).

Understand what each evacuation level means so you can act before conditions worsen.

Evacuation Level 2

“Get Set”

Evacuation Level 3

“Go Now!”