Wildfire Safety Center
Life-saving procedures and emergency protocols for wildfire situations
Immediate Danger
If fire is visible or you hear evacuation orders
Prepare to Leave
Fire approaching your area within hours
Stay Informed
Monitor conditions and official alerts
🚗 Evacuation Procedures
Follow these step-by-step evacuation procedures to safely leave a wildfire area. Time is critical - practice these steps before an emergency occurs.
Immediate Action (0-10 minutes)
CRITICAL-
Call 911 if not already done
Report your location and situation to emergency services
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Alert family members
Account for all family members, pets, and livestock
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Grab emergency go-bag
Pre-packed bag with essentials (documents, medications, water)
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Get in vehicle immediately
Do not waste time gathering items - your life is more important
Departure (10-30 minutes)
URGENT-
Follow evacuation routes
Use designated evacuation routes, avoid shortcuts
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Keep windows closed
Turn on AC to recirculate air, avoid outside air
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Stay calm and focused
Drive safely, follow traffic laws, be patient with congestion
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Go to evacuation center
Head to designated evacuation center or safe location
At Safety (After evacuation)
SAFE-
Check in with authorities
Register at evacuation center, let them know you're safe
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Contact family and friends
Use text messages to preserve phone capacity for emergencies
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Monitor official updates
Stay informed about fire status and return instructions
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Do NOT return early
Wait for official all-clear from authorities before returning
🆘 If You Cannot Evacuate
🚗 Trapped in Vehicle
🏠 Trapped in Building
🏃 Trapped Outside
💡 Critical Survival Tips
Smoke Safety
- Stay low - smoke rises
- Breathe through wet cloth
- Exit quickly through smoke
- If trapped, seal room from smoke
Heat Protection
- Cover all exposed skin
- Use natural fiber clothing
- Avoid synthetic materials
- Stay hydrated if possible
Location Awareness
- Know your exact address
- Share location with 911
- Identify nearest landmarks
- Stay in contact with authorities
📡 Emergency Alerts & Communication
Stay connected and informed during wildfire emergencies through multiple alert systems and communication channels.
🚨 Official Alert Systems
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
OFFICIALAutomatic alerts sent to all cell phones in affected areas
- ✅ No sign-up required
- ✅ Works on all modern phones
- ✅ Bypasses Do Not Disturb
- ⚠️ Cannot be turned off for Presidential alerts
Emergency Alert System (EAS)
OFFICIALAlerts broadcast on TV, radio, and cable systems
- ✅ Interrupts regular programming
- ✅ Available 24/7
- ✅ Multiple languages
- ⚠️ Requires access to broadcast media
NOAA Weather Radio
OFFICIALContinuous weather and emergency information
- ✅ 24/7 operation
- ✅ Battery backup available
- ✅ Specific location targeting
- ⚠️ Requires special radio
🌐 Local Alert Systems
County/City Emergency Systems
- California: AlertCA, Nixle, local county systems
- Oregon: ORAlert system
- Washington: WA State Emergency Management
- Colorado: CDEM alerts
- Texas: TxDPS alerts
Fire Department Alerts
- CAL FIRE (California)
- Local fire department social media
- Fire district websites
- Community notification systems
📱 Communication During Emergencies
📲 Use Text Messages
Text messages often work when phone calls don't
- Requires less bandwidth
- Can be delayed but will eventually deliver
- Preserves network capacity for emergency calls
📧 Email and Social Media
Alternative communication methods
- Post status on Facebook/Twitter
- Use WiFi when cellular is down
- Email updates to family contact list
📞 Family Communication Plan
Establish an out-of-area contact
- Choose contact outside your region
- All family members should have the number
- Update contact with your status
🎒 Emergency Go-Bag Essentials
Pre-pack emergency supplies for immediate evacuation. Keep your go-bag accessible and ready for departure within minutes.
🔴 Critical Items (Grab First)
Essential Documents
Life-Sustaining Items
🟡 Important Items (If Time Permits)
Clothing & Protection
Tools & Supplies
🟢 Comfort Items (Space Permitting)
Personal & Family
💡 Go-Bag Preparation Tips
🎒 Choose the Right Bag
- Use a sturdy backpack or wheeled bag
- Easy to carry for extended periods
- Multiple compartments for organization
- Weather-resistant material
📅 Maintenance Schedule
- Check/rotate food and water every 6 months
- Update medications before expiration
- Replace batteries annually
- Update documents and contacts yearly
📍 Storage Location
- Keep near main exit or in car
- Multiple family members should know location
- Consider one bag per vehicle
- Protect from extreme temperatures
🚗 Vehicle Emergency Preparedness
Ensure your vehicle is ready for emergency evacuation with proper maintenance and emergency supplies.
🔧 Regular Maintenance
⛽ Fuel System
🔋 Electrical System
🛞 Tires & Brakes
🌡️ Cooling System
🧰 Vehicle Emergency Kit
🚗 Automotive Supplies
🆘 Emergency Supplies
📱 Communication
🗺️ Know Your Evacuation Routes
📍 Primary & Secondary Routes
- Identify multiple ways out of your area
- Practice driving alternate routes
- Consider different times of day/traffic
- Know which roads can handle heavy traffic
🛏️ Evacuation Centers
- Locate nearest evacuation centers
- Know their addresses and routes
- Understand their capacity and services
- Have backup centers identified
📱 Stay Updated
- Monitor traffic apps during evacuation
- Listen to emergency radio broadcasts
- Follow official social media accounts
- Don't rely solely on GPS navigation