How to Create a Wildfire Evacuation Plan
Homes built in wooded or extremely dry areas are at risk of wildfires. These families should take precautions to guarantee everyone is safe in a disaster. In addition to making changes around the home to reduce fire risk, having an evacuation plan can make all the difference.
Supply Kits
Households can be prepared with emergency response kits, which are bags assembled with materials required for evacuations. It is important that these bundles are ready in advance and kept near the door. Sometimes, homeowners have only a moment’s notice to withdraw from the area.
A recommended supply list typically includes non-perishable food items, water, credit cards, medications, and baby care products. Clothing, first-aid kits, flashlights, batteries, and an extra set of car keys are also important. The contents of each kit will differ depending on the needs of the household. It is important to be reasonable and keep the bag light enough to easily carry.
Families should have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours because emergency professionals may not reach every property right away. Utilities, such as electricity and water, may be turned off for several days. Take this into consideration when packing an emergency kit. When ordered to evacuate, families must do so immediately. They should lock their homes and take the safest route to avoid fire.
Evacuation Plans
Create an evacuation plan. This should include:
- A designated emergency meeting location outside the fire or hazard area.
- Several different escape routes. These should be practiced often so there is little confusion in case of an emergency.
- An evacuation plan for pets and livestock.
- A family communication plan that designates an out-of-area friend or relative as a point of contact in case family members are separated.
Extra Precautions
In addition to having an evacuation plan and an emergency preparedness kit, families can take additional measures of preparation:
- Ensure everyone knows how to use a fire extinguisher. Check expiration dates regularly.
- Know where the gas, electric, and water shut-off controls are and how to safely use them in an emergency.
- Have an extra preparedness kit in the car in case returning home is impossible.
- Get a portable radio or scanner to stay updated.
- Inform neighbors of the evacuation plan.
A simple way to remember necessary items are the Six P’s. These are items that should be immediately ready in case of an evacuation: people and pets; papers, phone numbers, and important documents; prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses; pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia; personal computer hard drives and disks; and “plastic” (i.e. credit cards, debit cards, and cash).
During the heat of an emergency, family members can panic easily and forget parts of an evacuation plan. This is why it’s important to go over the details frequently and guarantee everyone knows what they need to do. Practice evacuating at night, and advise everyone to keep a flashlight and a good pair of shoes near the bed.
It is also important to be aware of the law: “California law authorizes officers to restrict access to any [hazardous] area….failure to comply is a misdemeanor. (Penal Code 409.5)”