How to Prepare for a Wildfire Evacuation

With wildfire seasons growing longer and more intense across many regions, knowing how to prepare for a wildfire evacuation has become an essential survival skill. Whether you live in the wildland-urban interface or simply in a drought-prone area, having a comprehensive evacuation plan can mean the difference between a controlled departure and a chaotic, dangerous situation when minutes count.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, wildfires burned over 7.5 million acres across the United States in 2023 alone. As climate patterns shift and development continues to expand into fire-prone areas, more communities face this threat each year. This guide will walk you through the steps to prepare yourself, your family, and your property for a potential wildfire evacuation—from creating defensible space to assembling go-bags and establishing communication plans.

Understanding Wildfire Risk and Warning Systems

Before diving into evacuation preparations, you need to understand the risk factors specific to your area and how officials communicate wildfire threats. This knowledge forms the foundation of an effective evacuation strategy and helps you make informed decisions during a crisis.

Assessing Your Property’s Vulnerability:

Several factors determine your property’s vulnerability to wildfires. Local topography significantly impacts fire behavior—fires move faster uphill, putting homes on slopes or at the top of hills at greater risk. Vegetation type and density around your property create potential fuel for fires, while prevailing wind patterns can accelerate fire spread in specific directions. Your home’s construction materials also play a crucial role in its fire resistance.

Our emergency preparedness experts recommend conducting a thorough assessment of these factors or requesting a professional evaluation from your local fire department. Many departments offer free property assessments to help homeowners identify and address specific vulnerabilities.

Understanding Evacuation Terminology:

• Evacuation Warning: Be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice
• Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life; leave now
• Shelter in Place: Stay where you are (typically only when evacuation is more dangerous)
• Temporary Evacuation Point: Initial gathering location before moving to shelters
• All Clear: Safe to return to your property

Setting Up Alert Systems:

Staying informed about developing wildfire threats requires reliable alert systems. Most counties in wildfire-prone regions offer emergency notification services that send alerts via text, email, or phone calls. The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) delivers wireless emergency alerts to mobile devices in threatened areas. Additionally, a battery-powered NOAA weather radio provides critical information even during power outages.

In our experience working with families in fire-prone regions, we’ve found that signing up for multiple alert systems provides the best redundancy. Don’t rely solely on a single notification method, as communication infrastructure can fail during major disasters.

• Sign up for local emergency alerts: Visit your county emergency management website
• Download emergency apps: FEMA app, Red Cross Emergency app, local fire department apps
• Follow official social media: Local fire departments, emergency management agencies, and law enforcement

Creating a Wildfire Evacuation Plan

A comprehensive evacuation plan is your roadmap to safety when wildfire threatens. This plan should be documented, practiced, and accessible to all household members. According to FEMA, families with practiced evacuation plans are significantly more likely to evacuate safely and with essential belongings than those who try to create a plan during the emergency itself.

Mapping Multiple Evacuation Routes:

Never rely on just one evacuation route. Wildfires can quickly cut off roads, and traffic congestion during mass evacuations can render primary routes impassable. Our team always recommends identifying at least three potential evacuation routes from your property, including less-traveled secondary roads and alternative directions.

• Identify primary and at least two alternative routes away from your home
• Consider different cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) as fire may block certain paths
• Include walking routes in case roads become impassable by vehicle
• Mark these routes on physical maps kept in your emergency kit and vehicles
• Practice driving these routes with your family, including at night

Establishing Meeting Points and Communication Plans:

Families often get separated during evacuations, especially if the order comes while members are at work, school, or other locations. Establishing predetermined meeting points both within and outside your community creates clarity during chaos. According to the Red Cross, communication plans are among the most overlooked aspects of family emergency planning.

Based on our field testing with families, we recommend designating three types of meeting locations:

• Neighborhood meeting point: A location close to home where family can gather before evacuating together
• Local meeting point: A location within your town/city but outside the likely evacuation zone
• Regional meeting point: A location in a neighboring community or county

For communication, designate an out-of-area contact person who can serve as a central information hub. Local phone lines may be overwhelmed during disasters, but calls to distant locations often go through. Ensure everyone has this person’s contact information memorized and programmed into their phones.

Special Considerations for Vulnerable Household Members:

Households with elderly members, those with disabilities, young children, or pets face additional evacuation challenges. Planning for these special needs in advance is critical to ensuring no one gets left behind during a fast-moving evacuation.

• For elderly or disabled household members: Register with local emergency services for priority assistance, prepare mobility aids, and arrange transportation assistance if needed
• For children: Practice evacuation drills, teach them to identify emergency workers, pack comfort items and activities
• For pets: Prepare carriers/leashes for each pet, research pet-friendly evacuation shelters or hotels, and have vaccination records accessible
• For livestock: Develop an evacuation plan that includes transportation arrangements and destination facilities

Preparing Your Home Before Wildfire Season

Long before evacuation warnings are issued, you should prepare your property to both reduce wildfire risk and make evacuation more efficient. These preparations not only increase your safety but can also improve your home’s chances of surviving a wildfire even if you’re not there to defend it.

Creating Defensible Space:

Defensible space is the buffer you create between buildings and the surrounding vegetation. This space slows fire spread and gives firefighters a safer area to defend your home. Cal Fire and other agencies recommend organizing defensible space into three zones with specific maintenance requirements.

Our team has observed that properties with well-maintained defensible space are significantly more likely to survive wildfire events than those without these protective measures. While creating defensible space requires regular maintenance, it represents one of the most effective ways to protect your property.

• Zone 1 (0-5 feet from structures): Remove all dead vegetation, flammable materials, and combustible items. Use hardscaping, gravel, or concrete instead of mulch
• Zone 2 (5-30 feet from structures): Keep grass mowed to 4 inches or less, create spacing between shrubs and trees, remove ladder fuels (vegetation that allows fire to climb from ground to tree canopy)
• Zone 3 (30-100+ feet from structures): Thin vegetation, remove dead fuel, create separation between trees

Home Hardening Measures:

Home hardening involves making your house more resistant to ignition from flying embers, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. According to research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, homes with fire-resistant features are up to 60% more likely to survive wildfire exposure.

• Roof protection: Install Class A fire-rated roofing, clean gutters regularly, and install gutter guards to prevent debris accumulation
• Vent protection: Cover all vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh to prevent ember entry
• Window protection: Install dual-paned windows with tempered glass, consider fire-resistant shutters
• Deck and porch protection: Enclose undersides of decks with fire-resistant materials, remove combustibles from underneath
• Siding considerations: Choose fire-resistant siding materials like stucco, fiber cement, or treated wood

Pre-Evacuation Home Preparation Checklist:

When wildfire threatens but before an evacuation order is issued, taking specific actions can help protect your home. The National Fire Protection Association recommends completing these tasks as part of your evacuation preparation, ideally before fire season even begins.

Our specialists emphasize that these preparations should be completed well in advance when possible, as you may have very little time once an evacuation warning is issued. Creating a printed checklist and keeping it accessible can help ensure you don’t miss critical steps during a stressful situation.

• Indoor preparations:
  • Close all windows and doors but leave them unlocked for firefighter access
  • Remove flammable window coverings and move furniture away from windows
  • Shut off gas at the meter and turn off pilot lights
  • Leave lights on to help firefighters see your home in smoky conditions
  • Shut off HVAC systems to prevent drawing smoke inside
• Outdoor preparations:
  • Bring flammable outdoor furniture, doormats, and decorations inside
  • Connect garden hoses for firefighter use
  • Turn off propane tanks
  • Move firewood and other combustibles at least 30 feet from structures
  • Place a ladder against the house for firefighter access to the roof

Assembling Evacuation Kits and Go-Bags

When evacuation orders come, you may have only minutes to gather essentials and leave. Having pre-packed evacuation kits eliminates the need to make rushed decisions about what to take. According to FEMA surveys, families with prepared go-bags evacuate an average of 15-20 minutes faster than those without—precious time during a rapidly spreading wildfire.

Essential Documents and Valuables:

Critical documents are among the most difficult items to replace after a disaster. Our emergency preparedness experts recommend creating a “grab and go” document kit that contains original or copies of essential papers, stored in waterproof, portable containers.

• Identification documents: Driver’s licenses, passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, marriage certificates
• Financial documents: Insurance policies, property deeds, vehicle titles, recent tax returns, financial account information
• Medical information: Insurance cards, immunization records, medication lists, doctor contact information
• Emergency contacts: Printed list of family, friends, doctors, insurance agents with phone numbers and addresses
• Digital backups: USB drive or secure cloud storage with scanned copies of all documents

Personal Emergency Kits:

Each family member should have a personalized emergency kit tailored to their specific needs. These kits should be compact enough to carry but comprehensive enough to sustain you for at least 72 hours away from home.

What our team has seen work well is creating standardized kits with common essentials, then adding personalized items for each family member. These kits should be stored in easily accessible locations and checked twice yearly to ensure medications haven’t expired and seasonal clothing remains appropriate.

• Basic supplies for each person:
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person per day)
  • N95 respirator masks for smoke protection
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid supplies
  • Multi-tool or pocket knife
  • Emergency blanket
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Change of clothes appropriate for the season
  • Portable phone charger/power bank
  • Cash in small denominations
• Additional items for specific needs:
  • Prescription medications (rotated regularly to prevent expiration)
  • Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and solutions
  • Hearing aids with extra batteries
  • Mobility devices and accessories
  • Comfort items for children (stuffed animals, games, books)
  • Baby supplies (formula, diapers, wipes)

Pet and Livestock Evacuation Supplies:

Animals require specific evacuation supplies to ensure their safety and comfort during an emergency. The ASPCA reports that one of the most common reasons people remain in evacuation zones is concern for pets or livestock that they’re unprepared to evacuate.

• Pet evacuation kit:
  • Carriers or crates for each pet
  • Leashes, harnesses, and muzzles if appropriate
  • 3-7 day supply of food in waterproof containers
  • Water and portable bowls
  • Medications and first aid supplies
  • Vaccination records and photos (for identification if separated)
  • Familiar bedding, toys, and treats to reduce stress
  • Litter, litter box, waste bags, and cleaning supplies
• Livestock considerations:
  • Identification (tags, brands, microchips)
  • Halters and lead ropes for each animal
  • Transportation arrangements (trailers, drivers)
  • List of evacuation locations that accept livestock
  • Feed and water for 7-10 days
  • Basic veterinary supplies

Evacuation Execution: When It’s Time to Go

When wildfire threatens and evacuation orders are issued, how you respond in those critical moments can determine your safety. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, most wildfire fatalities occur during late or failed evacuation attempts. Having a clear plan for the evacuation itself—not just the preparation—is essential.

What to Do When Evacuation Warnings Are Issued:

Evacuation warnings indicate that there is a potential threat to life and property, and evacuation might become necessary. This pre-evacuation period is your opportunity to finalize preparations while monitoring the situation closely.

Based on our experience working with fire evacuees, using this warning period effectively can make the difference between a controlled departure and a chaotic last-minute escape. The key is to complete as many preparations as possible during this phase, so you’re ready to leave immediately if an order comes.

• Gather your emergency kits, important documents, and valuables
• Pack your vehicle, backing it into the driveway for quicker departure
• Dress in appropriate clothing: long sleeves, long pants, sturdy shoes, bandana or N95 mask
• Prepare pets and livestock for transport
• Implement your home preparation checklist (close windows, move combustibles, etc.)
• Charge phones and communication devices
• Alert friends and family of your situation and intended evacuation route
• Monitor official information sources continuously

Immediate Actions When Evacuation Orders Are Issued:

When authorities issue an evacuation order, you should leave immediately. Delaying evacuation puts both you and emergency responders at risk. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) emphasizes that no home or possession is worth a life.

• Leave immediately—don’t delay to gather additional items
• Follow your evacuation plan and use predetermined routes
• If you have time, leave a note with your contact information and destination
• Close doors and windows but leave them unlocked
• Take your fully charged cell phone and keep it on
• Drive calmly and defensively, with headlights on
• Watch for emergency vehicles, fallen power lines, and other hazards
• If trapped, call 911 and provide your exact location

What to Do If You’re Trapped:

While early evacuation is always the safest option, rapidly changing fire conditions may make escape impossible. Knowing how to shelter in place as a last resort could save your life. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group provides these guidelines for when evacuation routes are cut off.

Our emergency preparedness experts emphasize that these are last-resort measures when evacuation is no longer possible. They are not substitutes for timely evacuation, which remains the safest action during wildfire threats.

• If trapped in your vehicle:
  • Park in an area clear of vegetation
  • Close all vehicle windows and vents
  • Cover yourself with a blanket or jacket
  • Lie on the vehicle floor
  • Call 911 to report your location
• If trapped in your home:
  • Stay inside away from exterior walls and windows
  • Close all doors and windows but leave them unlocked
  • Fill sinks, tubs, and buckets with water
  • Keep a wet cloth over your nose and mouth
  • Call 911 to report your location
• If caught in the open:
  • Find an area with little vegetation, such as a ditch or depression
  • Lie face down and cover your body with soil if possible
  • Breathe air close to the ground through a cloth to filter smoke
  • Call 911 if possible

Post-Evacuation Considerations

The challenges of wildfire evacuation don’t end when you reach safety. Planning for extended displacement, staying informed about fire status, and preparing for an eventual return all require forethought and resources. According to FEMA, evacuees are displaced for an average of 3-7 days during wildfire events, but major fires can extend this to weeks or even months.

Finding Temporary Accommodation:

Having predetermined options for where you’ll stay during an evacuation reduces stress and uncertainty. The Red Cross recommends identifying multiple potential accommodation options before disaster strikes.

• Emergency shelters: Often established by the Red Cross or local government; locations are announced during evacuations
• Friends and family: Arrange in advance with people outside the likely evacuation zone
• Hotels and motels: Research pet-friendly options and keep a list with contact information
• Short-term rentals: Apps and websites like Airbnb often offer disaster relief programs
• Evacuation camping: Some evacuees use camping equipment at designated safe areas

Staying Informed During Displacement:

Accurate, timely information is crucial during evacuation. Misinformation can spread quickly during disasters, so relying on official sources is important for making decisions about when it’s safe to return.

What our emergency preparedness experts recommend is establishing a routine for checking multiple official information sources at regular intervals. This helps manage anxiety while ensuring you don’t miss important updates about your community and property.

• Follow your local emergency management agency on social media
• Attend community briefings for evacuees if available
• Sign up for email or text alerts from official sources
• Check InciWeb (inciweb.nwcg.gov) for official wildfire information
• Monitor local news stations and websites
• Join community support groups for accurate local information

Planning for Return and Recovery:

Even before evacuation orders are lifted, you can begin planning for your return and potential recovery efforts. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends preparing mentally and logistically for various scenarios you might encounter.

• Before returning home:
  • Wait for official “all clear” from authorities
  • Check with utility companies about service status
  • Contact insurance company to start claims process if needed
  • Gather supplies for cleanup (work gloves, masks, tools)
  • Arrange for professional inspection if structural damage is possible
• Upon first return:
  • Enter cautiously and check for structural damage
  • Look for downed power lines, gas leaks, or water damage
  • Document damage with photographs for insurance claims
  • Check food and water safety before consumption
  • Begin cleanup wearing appropriate protective equipment
• Long-term recovery resources:
  • FEMA assistance programs (disasterassistance.gov)
  • Small Business Administration disaster loans
  • Local disaster recovery centers
  • Nonprofit organizations specializing in disaster recovery
  • Mental health resources for dealing with trauma and stress

Financial Preparation for Wildfire Evacuation

The financial impact of wildfire evacuation extends beyond potential property damage. Evacuation itself carries costs for transportation, accommodation, food, and other necessities. According to the Insurance Information Institute, evacuation expenses can quickly reach thousands of dollars, even for evacuations lasting just a few days.

Insurance Considerations:

Understanding your insurance coverage before disaster strikes is critical. Many homeowners are surprised to learn what is and isn’t covered during wildfire events. Our team always recommends conducting an annual insurance review with your agent to ensure your coverage meets your needs.

• Homeowners/renters insurance review:
  • Verify coverage amounts match current replacement costs
  • Understand deductibles and exclusions
  • Check if policy includes Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage
  • Consider separate wildfire insurance in high-risk areas
  • Document home contents with inventory and photos/videos
• Auto insurance considerations:
  • Comprehensive coverage protects against fire damage
  • Review policy limits and deductibles
  • Understand coverage for evacuation-related incidents
• Business insurance (if applicable):
  • Business interruption coverage
  • Equipment and inventory protection
  • Employee relocation considerations

Emergency Financial Preparedness:

Having access to funds during evacuation is essential. ATMs and credit card systems may be unavailable in disaster areas, and banks might be closed or inaccessible. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends maintaining an emergency financial kit as part of your evacuation preparations.

• Keep cash in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) in your emergency kit
• Maintain an emergency fund in an easily accessible account
• Store copies of financial account numbers and contact information
• Keep extra checks and a credit card specifically for emergencies
• Know how to access financial accounts remotely
• Carry your health insurance cards during evacuation

Special Considerations for Rural Properties

Rural properties present unique challenges during wildfire evacuations. Greater distances from fire departments, limited access roads, and responsibility for livestock all require additional planning. According to the U.S. Forest Service, rural residents may need to be self-sufficient for longer periods both during and after wildfire events.

Large Animal Evacuation Planning:

Evacuating livestock requires significant advance planning. The size and number of animals, transportation requirements, and suitable destinations all need consideration well before fire season begins.

Based on our field testing with rural property owners, successful livestock evacuation depends on having arrangements in place with multiple transportation providers and destination facilities. The most common failure point in livestock evacuation is waiting too long to implement the plan, as trailers and safe locations fill quickly during mass evacuations.

• Transportation planning:
  • Maintain appropriate trailers in good working condition
  • Establish mutual aid agreements with neighbors for additional transport
  • Practice loading under various conditions, including at night
  • Keep fuel tanks at least half full during fire season
• Destination planning:
  • Identify multiple facilities willing to accept livestock (fairgrounds, equestrian centers, private farms)
  • Pre-register with county animal evacuation teams if available
  • Prepare maps to all potential destinations
  • Arrange payment methods for boarding fees
• If evacuation is impossible:
  • Create defensible space around barns and corrals
  • Remove synthetic materials that produce toxic smoke
  • Clear areas down to mineral soil for emergency shelter
  • Leave gates open between fenced areas to allow animal movement
  • Remove halters and anything that could snag or melt

Water Supply and Firefighting Resources:

Rural properties often rely on their own water systems and may be located farther from municipal firefighting resources. Having independent water supplies and basic firefighting tools can help protect your property, especially during the pre-evacuation phase.

• Water storage considerations:
  • Maintain dedicated firefighting water tanks (2,500+ gallons recommended)
  • Install standardized fire department connections on tanks
  • Keep swimming pools and ponds full during fire season
  • Consider a generator-powered pump system
• Basic firefighting tools:
  • Fire-rated garden hoses that reach all areas of your property
  • Portable pumps for ponds or swimming pools
  • Fire extinguishers rated for multiple fire types
  • Shovels, McLeod tools, and Pulaski axes
  • Protective clothing (leather gloves, goggles, bandanas)

Conclusion: Making Wildfire Evacuation Readiness a Lifestyle

Preparing for wildfire evacuation isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing process that requires regular review and updates. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, maintaining evacuation readiness becomes a year-round commitment. The most successful evacuations come from families who have integrated preparedness into their regular routines.

Our team at Batten Emergency has seen firsthand how preparation transforms chaotic, dangerous evacuations into controlled, manageable events. The investment in time and resources to prepare pays dividends in safety and peace of mind when wildfire threatens.

Remember these key principles as you develop and maintain your wildfire evacuation preparedness:

• Start early—don’t wait until fire season to begin preparations
• Practice your plan regularly with all household members
• Update your emergency contacts, evacuation routes, and meeting points annually
• Check and refresh emergency kits twice yearly
• Maintain defensible space as a year-round activity
• Stay informed about changing wildfire risks in your area
• Share your preparations with neighbors to build community resilience

By taking these steps, you’re not just preparing for evacuation—you’re investing in your family’s safety and creating the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re ready to face wildfire threats with confidence and control.

For more information on preparing for various emergencies, visit Batten Emergency or explore our guides on family disaster planning and home escape plans.

Sources used for this article:

Ready.gov Wildfires, https://www.ready.gov/wildfires
CAL FIRE Wildfire Action Plan, https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-set/wildfire-action-plan/
FEMA How to Prepare for a Wildfire, https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_how-to-prepare-for-wildfire.pdf
National Fire Protection Association Firewise USA, https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA