Wildfire Evacuation

Defensible space, a ready bag, and a no-regrets evacuation when smoke is on the horizon.

Defensible Space (Year-Round)

• Zone 1 (0-5 ft): nothing combustible — no mulch, no plants against the house
• Zone 2 (5-30 ft): mowed grass, well-spaced shrubs, no dead vegetation
• Zone 3 (30-100 ft): thinned trees, no ladder fuels under canopies
• Clean roof and gutters of pine needles and leaves twice a year
• Screen vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh (embers enter through vents)
• Move firewood at least 30 ft from the house
• Trim tree branches at least 10 ft from chimney and 6 ft off the ground

Sign Up for Alerts

• County emergency notification system (Nixle, CodeRED, or county-specific)
• Watch Duty app — wildfire-specific real-time monitoring
• Local fire department social media

Go Bag (Pre-Pack)

• Two changes of clothes, sturdy shoes, jacket
• N95 masks for every household member
• Prescriptions (7+ days) and over-the-counter basics
• Phone, charger, power bank, laptop, hard drives
• Important documents in waterproof bag: IDs, insurance, deed, birth certs, passports
• Cash, credit cards, checkbook
• Family photo albums (or scanned to cloud)
• Pet food, leashes, carriers, vet records
• Flashlight, water bottles, snacks for at least 24 hours

When Smoke Is Visible

• Park car facing out in the driveway, keys in ignition or pocket
• Fill car with gas now — stations close fast
• Close all windows, doors, vents, chimney damper
• Move flammable furniture to center of rooms, away from windows
• Take down lightweight curtains; close fire-resistant blinds
• Connect garden hoses to outside spigots; fill buckets and trash cans with water
• Turn on outdoor lights so home is visible in heavy smoke
• Leave a ladder leaning against the house for firefighter roof access

Evacuate (Don't Wait)

• Leave when told. Better: leave before told.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, sturdy boots, leather gloves, N95
• Take the go bag, pets, hard drives, and anything irreplaceable
• Drive with headlights on; close vents and recirculate AC
• Have two evacuation routes — fires can close roads
• Notify your out-of-area contact when you leave and where you are headed

After

• Do not return until officials say it's safe
• Watch for hot spots in mulch, attic, and roof for at least 48 hours
• Wear N95 and gloves during cleanup; ash can contain toxic materials
• Document everything for insurance before clearing