Wildfire Go-Plan: Evacuation Quick Steps

Not legal or medical advice. Always follow evacuation orders and instructions from local authorities.

What it's for

Wildfires move fast, and Ready.gov says you may have to leave quickly. A go-plan means the decisions are made before the smoke shows up: how you'll hear, which way you'll go, what you'll grab, and where you'll meet. In our outfit the Ramrod owns the plan and the Scout owns the routes.

Before you need it (practice)

Alerts

• Have several ways to get alerts (Ready.gov): sign up for your county's emergency alerts, and know that Wireless Emergency Alerts come to your phone with no sign-up. The FEMA app can send National Weather Service alerts for up to five locations.
• Keep a battery or crank radio. CAL FIRE's plan suggests a portable radio or scanner for fire updates.

Routes

• Know your evacuation zone and routes (Ready.gov). USFA says plan a main route and alternates in case the first is closed.
• Mark two ways out on the paper map. USFA says practice often using at least two ways out of your neighborhood.
• Know the plans for work, school, and daycare (Ready.gov, USFA).

Vehicles and animals

• Keep the tank at least half full, and back the car into the garage or park it facing the way out (USFA).
• Practice moving pets and livestock, including how to run the trailer you'd use (USFA). CAL FIRE says make specific arrangements for horses and other large animals.

Kit by the door

• Pre-pack your kits (USFA), and keep the document pouch, spare keys, and N95s with them. Ready.gov suggests storing an N95 for smoke.
• Put shoes and a headlamp by each bed.
• Keep phones charged, with a power bank as backup (Ready.gov).

People

• Pick a meeting point outside the high-risk area and one out-of-area contact for everyone (CAL FIRE). See The Family Meeting and the Planning Binder.
• USFA: plan to help family, friends, or neighbors with disabilities evacuate.

Step by step

When fire is in the area

1. Charge every phone (USFA) and watch for alerts.
2. Load the car with kits and the 6 P's (below).
3. Leave early if you're worried. USFA says evacuating can take longer than you think because of traffic and smoke, especially with kids, pets, livestock, or anyone who needs help.

When told to go

1. Go promptly when officials say evacuate (Ready.gov, USFA).
2. Windows up, A/C on to keep embers and smoke out of the car (USFA).
3. Skip the big rig if you're not used to it. USFA says don't drive out with trailers or RVs, especially if you're unfamiliar with them, because a stalled vehicle blocks others and first responders. Plan livestock moves early, while roads are clear.
4. Listen for updated instructions on the radio.
5. If trapped, call 911 and give your location, knowing help may be delayed, and turn on lights to help rescuers find you (Ready.gov).

The 6 P's (CAL FIRE)

1. People and pets
2. Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
3. Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
4. Pictures and irreplaceable keepsakes
5. Personal computer, hard drive, and disks
6. "Plastic" (credit and ATM cards) and cash

Once you're out

1. Make sure everyone is okay; get help for anyone hurt or unwell (USFA).
2. Tell your out-of-area contact you're safe (USFA). Ready.gov suggests texting, since phone systems are often busy.
3. Don't go home until officials say it's safe (Ready.gov, USFA).

Common mistakes

• Waiting for the order when you've already got a bad feeling. USFA says leave early if you're concerned.
• One route out. USFA says practice at least two.
• A quarter tank. Keep it half full in fire season.
• First-time trailer driving in smoke and traffic.
• Going back too soon. Ready.gov warns of hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and heat pockets in the ground.

Care & storage

• Review the plan each spring before fire season, and re-drive both routes.
• Check the kit, document copies, and N95 supply at each rotation.
• Ready.gov: make sure insurance policies and IDs are up to date, with copies in a secure, password-protected digital space.

Related gear

• N95 masks · Paper map · Document pouch · Key tags
• LED headlamp · Power bank · Crank/solar radio
• See also: Smoke Days at Home · Respirators and Mask Fit
• Category: Seasonal · Role: Ramrod

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