During the recent Palisades and Eaton wildfires in California, residents had only a short window to evacuate their homes. In these high-stress situations, every second counts, and deciding what to take and what to leave behind can be overwhelming. That’s why we urge you to create an evacuation checklist now. Being prepared with a plan ensures you’re ready to act quickly if a 'Ready, Set, Go!' evacuation alert is issued. Don’t wait—prepare today to protect yourself, your loved ones and your belongings.
No. of vehicles ______ Drivers _____ Trailers _____ Motorcycles _____
Evacuation Items to Gather
15-Minute Warning:
☐ Wallet, purse, keys, glasses ☐ Cell phone(s), charger(s) ☐ Emergency cash, credit card
☐ Pets, carriers, leashes, meds ☐ Seasonally appropriate clothes, shoes, hats
☐ Hearing aids, medications ☐ Flashlights, extra batteries ☐ Safety deposit box key(s)
☐ Checkbooks
☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________
30-Minute Warning:
(The above, plus):
☐ Pillows, sleeping bags, blankets ☐ Address book, phone list ☐ Jewelry & most-valued personal possessions ☐ Personal hygiene items ☐ Other meds, supplements ☐ First aid kit, medical items ☐ Pet food, dishes, bedding, litter ☐ Children’s items, toys, books ☐Battery radio, extra batteries ☐ Toilet paper, hand wipes, soap ☐ Clothing for 3 days, shoes ☐ Computer, monitor, laptop ☐ Gallon jugs of drinking water
☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________
1-Hour Warning:
(The above, plus):
☐ Take or safeguard guns, ammo ☐ Ice cooler w/ice, food, drinks ☐ Genealogy records, files
☐ 3 days food, special diet items ☐ Gloves, dust mask for smoke ☐ Paper plates, cups, utensils ☐ School items (homework, pen, pencil, books, calculator, paper ☐ Licenses, vehicle titles, deeds ☐ Insurance, financial, medical data; Wills, Powers of Attorney ☐Personal property list, photos & appraisals, documentation
☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________
2-Hour + Warning:
(The above, plus):
☐ Albums, photos, home videos ☐ Albums, photos, home videos. ☐ Family photos on display ☐ Military decorations, records, mementoes, plaques ☐ Luggage (packed) ☐Valuable items, cameras ☐ Heirlooms, art, collections ☐ Primary cosmetics
☐ Secondary vehicles ☐ Camping equipment, tent ☐ Journals, diaries, letters
☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________
Evacuation To-Do List
15-Minute Warning:
☐ Gather household members and pets. ☐ Load available vehicles. ☐ Turn off lights, fans, heaters, AC, furnace and computers. ☐ Turn off hoses and sprinklers. ☐ Leave note on door telling firefighters you've evacuated. ☐ Lock doors, garage, take keys. ☐ Tell absent family where to meet and where to shelter. ☐ Load or release livestock.
☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________
30-Minute Warning:
(The above, plus):
☐ Alert family, friends to danger and where you will go (briefly). ☐ Turn on porch light (helps first responders find house in smoke or at night).
☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________
1-Hour Warning:
(The above, plus):
☐ Bring porch flammables inside (chairs, cushions, toys, gas grill). ☐ Move outdoor flammables away from house (mower, ATV, motorcycles, propane tanks, awnings, umbrellas, furniture). ☐ Move gasoline cans to gravel or concrete area far from house. ☐ Open or remove flammable shades, blinds and curtains. Close nonflammable blinds and windows. ☐ Chill key foods and meds in cold bag/with ice pack. ☐ If absent, contact neighbors to rescue your pets, if able.
☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________
2-Hour+ Warning:
(The above, plus):
☐ Connect/load trailer, if desired. ☐ Move or protect other vehicles (ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles). ☐ Shut off gas/propane, but not electricity or water (may help first responders). ☐Remove plastic screens from windows near trees and bushes. ☐ Clear lumber, woodpile, leaves and other tinder sources near home. ☐ Remember important items in basement, sheds and garage. ☐Obtain cash for a few days' needs (remember that others are likely doing the same). ☐ Move flammable interior furniture aware from windows, glass doors and outside walls. ☐ Fill vehicles with gas (remember that others are likely doing the same).
☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________
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