WILDFIRE EVACUATION CHECKLIST www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org Send us a note if we've missed something. HIGHLIGHTS Pack important papers Eye glasses, medications, car keys, money, Turn off gas Distance flamable containers (propane canisters and tanks to gas cans for lawn equipment.) Pet cages/carriers & food Start HEPA air filters in home while packing. Leave outside lights on so the fire department can see your home through smoke and fog. WHAT TO TAKE Family Photographs of all family members Pets (if advance warning, take to an approved shelter) Important Papers Health insurance card Car insurance card House deed Marriage license Insurance papers Tax papers Birth certificates Drivers' licenses Legal documents Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) Computer backup disks Computers (time permitting) Money Check books Savings books Credit cards Cash Purse Wallet Blank checks Medications Prescriptions Analgesics Motion sickness tablets First-aid kit Prescription glasses Prescription dentures Prescription hearing aids Jewelry Gold, silver, and other valuable jewelry Family heirlooms Decorations, pins, awards Sentimental Photos and albums, slides, movies, home videos Family Bible Irreplaceable keepsakes Original paintings IF TIME PERMITS AND THERE'S ROOM IN YOUR VEHICLE (Though you can purchase as needed.) Food and Water (for three to seven days) Water (at least one gallon per person and pet per day) Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food Manual can opener Toiletries Soap and towels Toothbrushes and toothpaste Shaving articles Sanitary devices Clothing (appropriate for the season) Change of clothing for each person (for one to seven days) Coats and jackets Hats and caps Gloves and scarves Shoes and boots Underwear Sleepwear Infant supplies and toys Pet items ID tags Collar Leash Medications Water/food bowls Food Treats Pet blanket Poop bags Toys Additional Items to Take Cell phone and charger Flashlights and extra batteries Portable radio and extra batteries Hand crank radio/flashlight/mobile phone charger Reading material Recreational items First-aid kit Emergency care guide Heavy duty 10' 8G Booster Cable w/vinyl coasted clamps Cameras and extra batteries First-aid kit (Minimum) Emergency Poncho Emergency Whistle W/Lanyard Emergency Blanket, 52” x 84” Burn relief gel pack Hand Warmers Adhesive plastic bandages, ¾” x 3” Knuckle fabric bandage Fingertip fabric bandage Antiseptic cleansing wipes (sting-free) Triple antibiotic ointment pack (0.5 g) Hand sanitizer Cotton tipped applicators Scissors Tweezers Insect sting relief pads Light stick First Aid guide WHAT TO DO BEFORE LEAVING Fill evacuation vehicle gas tank Park evacuation vehicle in the garage heading toward street and travel route Close evacuation car windows but DO NOT LOCK CAR and leave keys in ignition Close garage door but leave it unlocked (disconnect automatic garage door opener) Establish an evacuation plan, travel route, probable destination Determine where separated members will meet Follow any official agency's evacuation instructions Turn off natural gas at meter Disconnect propane tank Close or cover outside vents and shutters Plug air vents and openings that are close to the ground Remove combustible items from around the outside of the house Turn off appliances, thermostats, fireplaces, stoves Leave one light on in each general area so firefighters can see your house in dark and smoke Release any livestock in the area Close fire resistant window coverings, heavy drapes, and Venetian blinds Move overstuffed furniture away from windows Close sliding glass doors into the center of the house (DON'T lock them) Remove lace, nylon, or light material drapes and curtains Place a ladder against the roof of the house on the side opposite the approaching fire Fill bathtubs, sinks, and containers with water Soak burlap sacks, small rugs, or large rags in containers Turn on exterior lights If instructed, tie large white cloth to front door knob Don't tie up telephone lines (notify friends and relatives by e-mail where to contact you) Make safety equipment obvious for firefighters (spigots, ladders, chain saws, hoses, etc.) Consider what to do with guns and ammo Prepare an "information note" to leave on the door detailing who you are, where you have gone, where flammables are (lawnmower gas, ammo, chemicals - move them all into one place) WHAT TO DO NOW TO PREPARE Keep evacuation vehicle gas tank full Practice family fire drill and evacuation plans Practice STOP, DROP, and ROLL (should clothes catch on fire) Prepare a list of valuables to take with you (store together, if possible) Make a video of all belongings, talking about each Take still pictures of all belongings as a backup Document an annotated list of all belongings Develop outdoor water supply with hoses to reach entire house, nozzle, and pump Have fire tools, ladder, and fire extinguishers available Post name/address signs clearly visible from street or road Post load limits on access bridges Clear driveway to at least 20 feet wide with 15 feet vertical clearance (for emergency vehicles) Clear weeds and cut grass within 10 feet of structures, propane tanks, utility boxes Clear debris from roof and gutters Clear vegetation from within 3 feet of hydrants Remove trees growing through porch, deck, or roof Remove trash and debris accumulations Remove branches that overhang within 15 feet of roof and chimney Stack firewood uphill or on a contour at least 30 feet away from house Thin and prune your trees and brush Install smoke detectors and test quarterly Install only non-combustible roof material Install shutters, fire curtains, or heavy drapes on windows Install screens on foundation and eave vents Install enclosed sides on stilt foundations and decks Install chimney screen or spark arrestor DISPOSE OF: Any secret pornography collection. 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