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Quick answer: Don’t wait for a mandatory order if you see smoke, ash, or an official evacuation warning for your area — leave early while roads are clear. Grab people, pets, medications, documents, and your go-bag in that order, and always know two evacuation routes out of your neighborhood in advance.
Know the Warning Levels
| Alert level | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Evacuation Watch/Warning | Danger is possible, not yet imminent | Prepare now — pack the car, review your route |
| Evacuation Order | Immediate danger to life | Leave immediately, don’t wait to finish packing |
The Evacuation Priority Order
- People and pets first. Nothing else matters if everyone isn’t accounted for and in the vehicle.
- Medications and medical devices — anything that can’t be quickly replaced.
- Important documents — ID, insurance papers, passports (ideally already digitized/backed up beforehand).
- Your pre-packed go-bag — water, food, flashlight, phone charger, cash, a change of clothes.
- Irreplaceable items only if time genuinely allows — photos, heirlooms.
Prep Your Home Before You Leave (If Time Allows)
- Close all windows and doors to slow ember intrusion
- Remove flammable curtains/blinds near windows
- Turn off gas at the meter if instructed by authorities
- Leave exterior lights on so the house is visible through smoke for responders
- Move patio furniture and doormats away from the house — they’re often what actually ignites a structure from flying embers
- Pre-packed 72-hour go-bag — Check Price on Amazon
- N95 masks for smoke — Check Price on Amazon
- Portable NOAA weather radio — Check Price on Amazon
- Fireproof document bag — Check Price on Amazon
Know Two Routes Out — Not Just One
Wildfires can close the “obvious” route out of a neighborhood without warning. Before fire season, physically drive (or map) at least two different routes to a safe area, and pick a family meeting point outside the danger zone in case you get separated.
What to Do If You’re Caught in Traffic or Can’t Escape
If you become trapped by fire while driving, stay in the vehicle with windows up and vents closed, turn on headlights and hazards, and get as low as possible below window level. A vehicle offers more protection from radiant heat than being outside on foot. Call 911 to report your exact location if possible.
Common Mistakes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much warning do you usually get before a wildfire evacuation?
It varies enormously — sometimes days, sometimes under an hour with fast-moving, wind-driven fires. This unpredictability is exactly why preparing a go-bag in advance matters more than trying to pack quickly during the event.
Should I water down my roof and yard before leaving?
A quick wetting-down of immediate vegetation near the house can help slightly if you have time and water pressure, but this should never delay your actual departure — leaving safely comes first.
What do I do with pets during a wildfire evacuation?
Take them with you — have carriers or leashes ready in advance, and know which nearby shelters or hotels accept pets, since many emergency shelters have restrictions.
Is it safe to shelter in place during a wildfire if I can’t evacuate?
Only as an absolute last resort if evacuation routes are already cut off — a cleared, non-flammable area (like a large paved lot) away from vegetation is safer than a vehicle stuck on a burning road, but this is a worst-case fallback, not a plan.