How to Prepare for a Wildfire Evacuation

Wildfires now affect every state in the country, not only the western United States. The Insurance Information Institute reports that more than 4 million homes are at high or extreme risk of wildfire damage, and that number grows each year as more communities are built in or near wildland areas. The most important thing to understand about wildfire evacuation is that the order can come with very little warning, sometimes only 15 to 30 minutes, and that seniors who live alone are at the highest risk of being trapped because evacuation takes longer when you have mobility issues, oxygen tanks, several medications, or pets that need to be loaded into a carrier. Planning ahead, while you have time and a clear head, is the single best way to survive a fire safely.

Most United States fire departments now use a three-tier evacuation system that you should learn before the smoke arrives. Level 1, often called Ready, means a fire is in your area and you should pack important items and be prepared to leave. Level 2, called Set, means a real threat exists and you should leave now if you have any special needs, such as oxygen, a wheelchair, or pets. Level 3, called Go, is a mandatory order to leave right away on the route given by fire officials. Some states use the labels Advisory, Voluntary, and Mandatory instead, but the meaning is the same. Once you reach Level 2, treat it as your personal evacuation point and do not wait for Level 3, especially if you live in a rural area with only one road in and out.

A go-bag is the small pre-packed bag you grab on the way out the door. And it should sit by your most-used exit door year-round during fire season. The standard contents include three days of medications, an extra pair of glasses, a printed list of your doctors and emergency contacts, copies of your driver's license and insurance cards, a phone charger and battery pack, a flashlight, comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, an N95 mask, a water bottle, and any small valuables you would not want to lose. Pet owners need a second bag with leash, carrier, food, and vaccination records. The whole bag should weigh under 20 pounds so you can lift it without help.

This guide walks you through five planning tasks to complete before fire season: registering with your county for alerts, mapping two evacuation routes, packing a go-bag, photographing your home and belongings for insurance, and arranging a check-in buddy. Plan to spend about three hours on the initial setup, then 30 minutes each spring to refresh medications and update photographs. Most seniors who lose homes in wildfires were not unaware of the fire. They ran out of time. With a plan, you give yourself the time you need.