Chapter 2: Wildfire Evacuation Checklist

When an evacuation is anticipated, CALFire recommends you follow these checklists (if time allows) to give your home the best chance of surviving a wildfire. Keep in mind if there is an immediate evacuation order, only do the most critical items and leave your home immediately!

Inside The Home

Close all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked.
Remove flammable window shades and curtains. Close metal shutters.
Move flammable furnishings to the center of the room, away from the windows and doors.
Shut off gas at the meter and turn off all pilot lights.
Leave your outdoor lights on so firefighters can see your home under smoky conditions.
Shut off the air conditioning unit, all house fans, and ventilation that can suck air into your home.

Animals:

Safely locate pets and keep them nearby.
Prepare farm animals for transport and have a pre-plan for where you will relocate them to safety.
Pack your pets emergency kit and load it in your vehicle.

Outside The Home:

Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, children's toys, doormats, trash cans etc.)
Turn off propane tanks that power your home.
Move propane BBQs and other appliances away from the structure of your home.
Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters if necessary. Fill water bucks and place them around your home.
Do not leave sprinklers on or water running, they can impact critical water supply and pressure.
Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in smoky conditions or darkness.
Put your emergency supplies in your vehicle.
Back your car into the driveway with the vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you at all times.
Have a ladder available and place it in a visible spot for firefighters to quickly access your roof.
Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
Monitor your property and the status of the fire. DO NOT wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened and need to leave.
Check on neighbors and make sure they are preparing to leave. You can help keep your neighborhood safe and prevent a traffic pile up once things reach critical status.
Leave a clearly visible sign near the front door that states the home has been evacuated when you leave. Provide as much information possible as well as where you are heading.