Wildfire Evacuation Prep Checklist

Wildfires can move at incredible speeds — often faster than a person can run — and embers can travel up to a mile or more ahead of the main fire. In many cases, residents have less than 15 minutes to evacuate once an order is issued.

Having a clear plan and a ready-to-go checklist can make the difference between a smooth, safe evacuation and a chaotic, dangerous scramble. This guide gives you the essentials, safety items, and house prep steps you need to act fast when the order comes.

(Keep these packed or staged for immediate grab-and-go)

Essentials

✅ Wallet, ID, cash, credit cards
✅ Cell phone & charger (plus a portable battery bank)
✅ Car keys & house keys
✅ Prescriptions & essential medications (plus extras if possible)
✅ Glasses/contacts + solution
✅ Important documents (passports, insurance policies, titles, medical info) — in a waterproof folder or bag

Clothing & Personal Gear

✅ Change of clothes for each person (sturdy shoes, socks, underwear, jacket)
✅ N95 masks or similar (for smoke)
✅ Hats, sunglasses
✅ Toiletries & basic hygiene supplies

Safety & Survival

✅ Bottled water & non-perishable snacks
✅ Flashlight + spare batteries
✅ First aid kit
✅ Small fire extinguisher (if accessible)

Special Items

✅ Pet supplies (food, leash, carrier, vaccination records)
✅ Baby/child items (formula, diapers, wipes)
✅ Comfort items (small blanket, stuffed animal, book)

House Prep (if time allows)

🔒 Shut all windows & doors, but leave them unlocked for firefighters
🪵 Move flammable items (patio furniture, firewood) away from the house
🚗 Park your car facing out with keys in ignition or nearby
💡 Leave lights on so firefighters can see through smoke
🐾 Ensure pets are secured and ready to load
🔧 Turn off natural gas at the meter (use a wrench; turn valve ¼ turn until it’s crosswise to the pipe)
💧 Do NOT run sprinklers or hoses unless explicitly told to by fire officials — it can lower water pressure for firefighters and cause shortages.

Homestead Natural Disaster