Evacuating a wildfire area can be scary, but experts say people can significantly improve their own safety with a little preparation and common sense.
Creating a wildfire action plan, packing a go bag and maintaining basic situational awareness during evacuations can make a big difference in escaping a disaster, says Jesse Torres, battalion chief for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire,
But the most important tip? Don’t wait for an evacuation order, Torres said.
“The most important thing is to get out early, before the notifications appear. It is so important to avoid traffic jams,” he said. That’s especially true in areas with narrow roads or limited routes, Torres said, because traffic jams can quickly build: “Everyone is doing the same thing: they’re all trying to get out.”
Here are some safety tips on what to do before and during a wildfire evacuation, and what to do if you become trapped.
Many communities including several in Californiahave alert systems that allow residents to sign up for push notifications on their cell phones or email accounts.
FEMA has one downloadable app that provides real-time alerts to mobile phones, and public safety agencies can also send alerts to television, radio and wireless devices through the Integrated public warning & Warning system. The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information, as well as official weather service warnings, forecasts and other hazard information.
A battery-powered or crank-powered portable radio can also be a crucial tool for receiving emergency alerts, especially in areas where cell service is unreliable or when regional cell towers may be threatened by wind, fire or other hazards.
Household emergency action plans ensure that all members of a family know exactly what to do and where to go during a wildfire. This is reported by the US Department of Homeland Security contingency plans must be tailor-made for a household’s unique circumstances, taking into account things like special medical needs and whether a family has livestock.
Strong wildfire response plans typically include: A prearranged meeting point well outside the hazard area where household members can meet to determine who has been evacuated; multiple escape routes outside the area, so people know which way to go if a route to safety is blocked; arrangements for family members with disabilities or medical conditions; arrangements for pets and livestock; and a communications plan that designates someone outside the area as the main point of contact in the event that household members become separated.
When it’s time to evacuate, having a prepacked “go-bag” or emergency supply kit can save valuable minutes, Torres said.
Cal Fire says a “go-bag” should include a map with at least two evacuation routes; necessary prescriptions or medical items such as glasses; extra car keys, cash or credit cards; a basic first aid kit; a flashlight and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries; and copies of important documents such as passports or birth certificates. It should also include a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water per person, as well as food and water for any pets. N95 masks can help filter out many particles from wildfire smoke, and an extra cell phone battery or charger can also be helpful.
“Go-bags” should be accessible and easy to grab in an emergency, Torres said.
“Plan as if you were going on a seven-day trip. Make sure you have clothes, toilet paper, toothbrush, soap and a towel in there,” Torres said. “You may end up in an evacuation center, or you may end up with family, so be prepared.”
If time permits, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends connecting water hoses and filling trash cans, tubs, swimming pools and the like with water to assist firefighters if they end up on your property.
“Close all your windows, and if you are able and know how to do so safely, turn off the gas and power to your home,” he said. Closing doors, windows and vents will help prevent embers from blowing in and setting fire to the interior, Torres said.
Even if you don’t have a “go-bag” or wildfire action plan, don’t dawdle if you feel like danger is near, Torres said.
Fires can move faster than people, especially if they are caused by high winds. And all kinds of things, including downed power lines, thick smoke, abandoned cars, blowing debris and heavy traffic, can obstruct escape routes during emergencies.
“Just get out of those warning and evacuation order zones. If you have family on the other side of the county, go to the other side of the county,” Torres said. “Go away and get off the road as quickly as possible.”
If you can’t evacuate, your car breaks down or you get stuck for some other reason, don’t panic, Torres said. Instead, take a look around and call 911.
“Aware of where you are, which street you are on. Do you see an address sign? Call 911 so we can help find you,” Torres said.
Sometimes people lose sight of the fire during an evacuation and it can be difficult to determine where they are in the smoke. An intersection or landmark can help emergency responders identify someone’s location and determine if they are in immediate danger, he said. Again, it’s critical not to procrastinate — go ahead and call 911 to “get that process started,” Torres said.
If someone can walk to a safe place, they should do so, Torres said. In that scenario, stay on a main route if possible, as that increases the chance of being spotted by a passing car or emergency responder, he says.