When a wildfire threatens your community, you may find yourself facing the unsettling reality of an evacuation order. The uncertainty, stress, and urgency of evacuating can leave you feeling overwhelmed. However, understanding the different types of evacuation orders and knowing exactly what to do during this time can help reduce panic and keep your family safe.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about wildfire evacuation orders—from understanding their meaning to the practical steps you should take to ensure the safety of your family and property.
What Are Wildfire Evacuation Orders?
Before jumping into what you need to do when faced with an evacuation order, it’s essential to understand what an evacuation order is and why it’s issued.
Wildfire evacuation orders are typically issued by local authorities like fire departments, law enforcement, or emergency management services. These orders are issued when fire danger has reached a level where it’s no longer safe for people to remain in the area.
Evacuation orders vary depending on the severity of the wildfire and the proximity to residential areas. There are generally three stages of evacuation orders:
1. Evacuation Advisory
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What it Means: An evacuation advisory is the first level of warning. It suggests that a wildfire may be approaching your area, and you should be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. It’s a precautionary measure designed to alert residents so they can prepare for a possible evacuation.
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What to Do:
- Stay informed. Monitor local news, social media, and official channels for updates.
- Start preparing your emergency kit and go-bag.
- Keep an eye on the fire’s proximity to your area and prepare an evacuation plan.
- Identify multiple routes to leave your area to avoid being caught in traffic jams or road closures.
2. Evacuation Warning
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What it Means: An evacuation warning is more serious than an advisory, signaling that there’s an immediate threat to your area. While you’re not required to leave immediately, it’s highly recommended that you evacuate to ensure your safety.
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What to Do:
- Evacuate immediately if you feel unsafe or if local authorities advise it.
- Gather your emergency supplies (more on that below).
- Check for road closures and traffic conditions before you leave.
- Alert family members and neighbors, especially those who might need extra assistance during evacuation (e.g., elderly or disabled people).
- Don’t forget to secure your home: close windows and doors, and remove any combustible materials near the house.
3. Evacuation Order (Mandatory)
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What it Means: A mandatory evacuation order is the most severe type of evacuation notice. This means that the wildfire is extremely close, and immediate evacuation is required. Failure to evacuate can result in serious risks to life and health.
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What to Do:
- Leave immediately. Do not wait to see if the fire gets closer—time is of the essence.
- Follow the designated evacuation routes provided by authorities to avoid roadblocks and gridlock.
- Take your emergency kit and your pets, if you haven’t already done so.
- Stay calm. Evacuations can be chaotic, but it’s important to remain focused on getting to safety.
How to Prepare for an Evacuation
Regardless of the level of the evacuation order, being prepared ahead of time is key to reducing stress and ensuring a smooth and safe evacuation. Here’s a checklist of items to have on hand and actions to take when preparing to evacuate:
1. Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is essential for any evacuation. Here’s what you should include:
- Non-perishable food (enough for at least 72 hours)
- Water (one gallon per person per day)
- First aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic, medications)
- Battery-powered flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable phone charger and a backup battery
- Cash (in case ATMs or card machines are unavailable)
- Important documents (IDs, insurance papers, medical records)
- Clothing (comfortable and weather-appropriate)
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, hand sanitizer, etc.)
- Pets and pet supplies (food, medications, leash, carrier)
2. Go-Bag
A go-bag is a smaller, more portable version of your emergency kit that you can grab quickly if you need to leave in a hurry. Here’s what to pack:
- Cell phone and charger
- Keys (car, house)
- Medication (enough for several days)
- Valuables (wallet, credit cards, jewelry)
- Important documents (copies of IDs, insurance, and medical info)
Evacuation Plan: Know Your Routes
It’s vital to have multiple evacuation routes planned, especially if you live in an area where roads can become congested during an emergency. Here’s how to plan your escape:
- Identify multiple routes: If one route becomes blocked or is affected by the fire, having an alternate plan ensures that you won’t be stuck in traffic.
- Mark key locations: Make sure your evacuation routes lead to safe areas, such as a designated evacuation shelter, a relative’s home, or an out-of-town destination.
- Stay informed: Follow local authorities’ instructions on which routes to take. Listen to your local radio station, follow emergency updates on social media, and check road closure apps.
What to Do After Evacuating
Once you’ve evacuated, you’ll likely be in a temporary shelter or at a safe relative's home. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Stay updated: Continue to monitor updates on the wildfire’s progression and follow instructions from local authorities.
- Check in with loved ones: Let your family know where you are and reassure them of your safety.
- Be cautious when returning: Wait for authorities to give the all-clear before returning to your home. Wildfires can leave behind dangerous debris, unstable structures, and residual smoke.
Final Thoughts: Stay Safe, Stay Prepared
Wildfire evacuation orders are issued to protect your life and health, so it’s critical to understand the different stages and what to do when you receive one. By staying prepared, knowing your evacuation routes, and having an emergency kit ready, you can ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your pets during a wildfire event.
Remember, time is crucial in a wildfire situation, so take immediate action once an evacuation order is issued. Stay informed, stay calm, and trust that your preparation will help guide you to safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should I do if I can’t evacuate right away?
- If you can’t evacuate immediately, stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and monitor updates. Don’t wait until it’s too late—evacuate as soon as it’s safe to do so.
2. How can I protect my pets during a wildfire evacuation?
- Include pet food, medications, and leashes in your emergency kit. If possible, bring your pets with you when you evacuate.
3. How can I ensure my home is safe during an evacuation?
- Close all windows and doors, remove flammable materials from the exterior of your home, and shut off the gas supply if instructed by authorities.
4. When is it safe to return home after evacuating?
- Wait for authorities to declare the area safe before returning. Even if the fire seems far from your property, there may be hidden dangers like smoldering embers.
5. How do I stay informed during a wildfire evacuation?
- Follow local news, listen to radio broadcasts, and sign up for emergency alerts from local authorities to stay informed.