Prepare for wildfire evacuation

If there is a wildfire, you may need to evacuate your home. You might be able to do so by car, but you should also be prepared to evacuate by foot.

Need to know

  • Evacuation routes and centers are incident-specific
  • Review supplies and plans every year

Before you start

As you plan for evacuation, it’s important to keep in mind that every fire is different. The exact locations where there will be evacuation centers or safe routes will depend on where the fire is and the direction of the wind. 

Steps

1. Sign up for emergency alerts

In an emergency, information can change rapidly. We will use AC Alert to tell you what to do during an emergency.

Sign up for emergency alerts and learn where to find trustworthy information.

2. Bookmark the Genasys Protect (formerly Zonehaven) website

Depending on the size and scale of a disaster, we may use Genasys Protect to share evacuation and traffic information. We will use it to post location and zone specific information.

This is not an alert system – you need to check Genasys Protect for status updates.

3. Pack a go-bag

A go-bag is a lightweight bag (like a backpack) with items you need if you have to evacuate.

Learn what to pack.

4. Keep shoes and a flashlight by your bed

Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight near your bed in case of a sudden evacuation at night.

5. Identify multiple evacuation routes

Evacuation routes are always incident-specific because the best route to take is relative to the location and type of threat. Think about different routes you would use to evacuate in a fire.

  • Identify at least 2 routes away from your home by car and 2 routes by foot.
  • For driving routes, focus on main roads that connect with major streets and highways.
  • Bigger roads with more capacity are less likely to get blocked during an evacuation.

Mark your evacuation routes on the map you keep in your go-bag.

6. Practice how to evacuate

Review and practice your evacuation routes with your household, carrying your go-bags with you. Regular practice ensures everyone will know what to do in an emergency, when you must act quickly.

What’s next

Review your supplies and practice your evacuation plans every year.

Learn more

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