Let's Talk About Evacuation Preparedness
Most of us spend a lot of time thinking about wildfire mitigation, defensible space, and protecting our homes. However, one of the most stressful parts of any wildfire is not the fire itself. It's the sudden evacuation order.
So ask yourself one simple question:
If I had 15 minutes, could I leave?
Not tomorrow.
Not after a trip to the store.
Not after finding paperwork.
Right now.
Don't Wait. Evacuate.One of the most common mistakes during a wildfire is waiting too long.
When an evacuation order is issued, roads can quickly become congested with residents, emergency vehicles, trailers, and equipment. Smoke and fire conditions can change rapidly.
The safest evacuation is often the earliest evacuation.
Ask Yourself
Your 15-Minute Checklist - Consider having:
Start Small - You do not need to do everything this week.
Pick one thing:
Don't Wait. Evacuate.
Be prepared to leave before an official order. If you feel unsafe, it is never too early to leave.
So ask yourself one simple question:
If I had 15 minutes, could I leave?
Not tomorrow.
Not after a trip to the store.
Not after finding paperwork.
Right now.
Don't Wait. Evacuate.One of the most common mistakes during a wildfire is waiting too long.
When an evacuation order is issued, roads can quickly become congested with residents, emergency vehicles, trailers, and equipment. Smoke and fire conditions can change rapidly.
The safest evacuation is often the earliest evacuation.
Ask Yourself
- Do I know where I would go?
- Do I have enough medication for 3–5 days?
- Do I have copies of important documents?
- Do I have a plan for my pets?
- Do I have a plan for my horses or livestock?
- Is my trailer ready to hook up today?
- Are my vehicle fuel tanks at least half full?
- Do all family members know how to contact each other?
Your 15-Minute Checklist - Consider having:
- A Go Bag ready
- Copies of important documents
- Prescription medication
- Phone chargers and backup batteries
- Pet supplies
- A list of emergency contacts
- Family communication plans
- An evacuation destination in mind
Start Small - You do not need to do everything this week.
Pick one thing:
- Build a Go Bag
- Gather documents
- Review medications
- Check your trailer
- Discuss your plan with family
- Know your planning unit - we are in Woodside Park
- Know at least two routes to Highway 28
- Sign up for emergency notifications both Lookout Alert and CodeRed.
Don't Wait. Evacuate.
Be prepared to leave before an official order. If you feel unsafe, it is never too early to leave.
Are you Prepared? 15 Minutes to Evacuate
Check out the video - If you had 15 minutes, could you evacuate?
Check out the video - If you had 15 minutes, could you evacuate?