A wildfire action plan helps your family know what to do during an emergency. Create your plan before a wildfire happens and make sure everyone in your household knows the plan.

How to Make a Wildfire Action Plan

Every family’s wildfire action plan will be different and should reflect your household’s needs. Use the checklist below to start creating your wildfire action plan:

• Set a meeting location. Choose an emergency meeting location outside the wildfire danger area. This helps your family know where to meet and determine who has safely evacuated.
• Identify escape routes. Plan several ways to leave your home and community. Practice these routes regularly so everyone in your household knows what to do during an emergency.
• Create an animal evacuation plan. Plan how you will evacuate pets and large animals, such as horses and livestock.
• Create a family communication plan. Choose a friend or relative who lives outside the affected area to be your family’s emergency contact. If family members become separated, it may be easier to contact one person who can share updates with everyone else.
• Plan for transportation. Make sure everyone in your household has a safe way to evacuate. Keep your vehicle ready to go and plan ahead if anyone needs help with transportation.
• Prepare for household members who may need extra support. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need additional planning during a wildfire evacuation. Consider their needs when creating your wildfire action plan.

Additional Preparations

• Keep fire extinguishers on hand. Train your family on how to use fire extinguishers and check them regularly to make sure they are working and not expired.
• Learn how to shut off your utilities. Make sure everyone in your home knows where the gas, electricity, and water shut-off controls are and how to turn them off during an emergency.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit. Create an emergency supply kit for each person in your household with enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Keep an extra kit in your vehicle in case you cannot return home because of a wildfire or other emergency.
• Keep emergency contact information available. Keep a list of important phone numbers near your phone and inside your emergency supply kit.