Wildfire Evacuation Checklist

Wildfire Evacuation Checklist

Highlights
- Pack important papers
- Turn off gas
- Distance BBQ tanks
- Pet cages/carriers & food
- Leave outside lights on so FD can see your home through smoke.


WHAT TO TAKE
Family 
__ Photographs of all family members 
__ Pets (if advance warning, take to an approved shelter) 
__ Pet ID tags 
__ Pet medications 
__ Pet leashes 
__ Pet water bowls 

Documents 
__ Health insurance card 
__ Car insurance card 
__ House deed 
__ Marriage license 
__ Insurance papers 
__ Tax papers 
__ Birth certificates 
__ Drivers' licenses 
__ Legal documents 
__ Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) 
__ Computer backup disks 
__ Computers (time permitting) 

Money 
__ Check books 
__ Savings books 
__ Credit cards 
__ Cash 
__ Purse 
__ Wallet 
__ Blank checks 

Medications 
__ Prescriptions 
__ Analgesics 
__ Motion sickness tablets (for pets & people) 
__ First-aid kit 
__ Prescription glasses 
__ Prescription dentures 
__ Prescription hearing aids 

Jewelry 
__ Gold, silver, and other valuable jewelry 
__ Family heirlooms 
__ Decorations, pins, awards 

Sentimental 
__ Photos and albums, slides, movies, home videos 
__ Family Bible 
__ Irreplaceable keepsakes 
__ Original paintings 

Food and Water (for three to seven days - if time permits)

__ Water (at least one gallon per person and pet per day) 
__ Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food 
__ Pet food 
__ Pet treats 
__ Manual can opener 

Toiletries (if time permits) 
__ Soap and towels 
__ Toothbrushes and toothpaste 
__ Shaving articles 
__ Sanitary devices 

Clothing (appropriate for the season - if time permits) 
__ Change of clothing for each person (for one to seven days) 
__ Coats and jackets 
__ Hats and caps 
__ Gloves and scarves 
__ Shoes and boots 
__ Change of underwear 
__ Sleepwear 
__ Infant supplies and toys 

Additional Items to Take (if time permits) 
__ Cell phones 
__ Reading material 
__ Recreational items 
__ First-aid kit 
__ Flashlights and extra batteries 
__ Portable radio and extra batteries 
__ Cameras and extra batteries 

WHAT TO DO BEFORE LEAVING 
__ Fill evacuation vehicle gas tank 
__ Park evacuation vehicle in the garage heading toward street and travel route 
__ Close evacuation car windows but DO NOT LOCK CAR and leave keys in ignition 
__ Close garage door but leave it unlocked (disconnect automatic garage door opener) 
__ Establish an evacuation plan, travel route, probable destination 
__ Determine where separated members will meet 
__ Follow any official agency's evacuation instructions 
__ Turn off natural gas at meter 
__ Disconnect propane tank 
__ Close or cover outside vents and shutters 
__ Remove combustible items from around the outside of the house 
__ Turn off appliances, thermostats, fireplaces, stoves 
__ Leave one light on in each general area so firefighters can see your house in dark and smoke 
__ Release any livestock in the area 
__ Close fire resistant window coverings, heavy drapes, and Venetian blinds 
__ Move overstuffed furniture away from windows 
__ Cose sliding glass doors into the center of the house (DON'T lock them) 
__ Remove lace, nylon, or light material drapes and curtains 
__ Place a ladder against the roof of the house on the side opposite the approaching fire 
__ Fill bathtubs, sinks, and containers with water 
__ Soak burlap sacks, small rugs, or large rags in containers 
__ Turn on exterior lights 
__ Lock doors and windows 
__ If instructed, tie large white cloth to front door knob 
__ Don't tie up telephone lines (notify friends and relatives by e-mail where to contact you) 
__ Make safety equipment obvious for firefighters (spigots, ladders, chain saws, hoses, etc.) 
__ Plug air vents and openings that are close to the ground 
__ Prepare an "information note" to leave on the door detailing who you are, where you have gone, where flammables are (such as lawnmower gas, ammo, chemicals - move them all into one place) 

WHAT TO DO NOW TO PREPARE 
__ Keep evacuation vehicle gas tank full 
__ Practice family fire drill and evacuation plans 
__ Practice STOP, DROP, and ROLL (should clothes catch on fire) 
__ Prepare a list of valuables to take with you (store together, if possible) 
__ Make a video of all belongings, talking about each 
__ Take still pictures of all belongings as a backup 
__ Document an annotated list of all belongings 
__ Develop outdoor water supply with hoses to reach entire house, nozzle, and pump 
__ Have fire tools, ladder, and fire extinguishers available 
__ Post name/address signs clearly visible from street or road 
__ Post load limits on access bridges 
__ Clear driveway to at least 20 feet wide with 15 feet vertical clearance (for emergency vehicles) 
__ Clear weeds and cut grass within 10 feet of structures, propane tanks, utility boxes 
__ Clear debris from roof and gutters 
__ Clear vegetation from within 3 feet of hydrants 
__ Remove trees growing through porch, deck, or roof 
__ Remove trash and debris accumulations 
__ Remove branches that overhang within 15 feet of roof and chimney 
__ Stack firewood uphill or on a contour at least 30 feet away from house 
__ Thin and prune your trees and brush 
__ Install smoke detectors and test quarterly 
__ Install only non-combustible roof material 
__ Install shutters, fire curtains, or heavy drapes on windows 
__ Install screens on foundation and eave vents 
__ Install enclosed sides on stilt foundations and decks 
__ Install chimney screen or spark arrestor