Ready, Set, Go: Your Wildfire Evacuation Guide
Understanding what to do before, during, and after a wildfire evacuation can save lives—this guide outlines clear steps to help you stay informed, prepared and ready to act.
Level 1: Be Ready
Level 1 means BE READY to potentially evacuate. Prepare to evacuate and be aware of danger in the area. Level 1 is green on a map.
- Stay Informed. Make sure you are signed up to receive alerts through your county. Check local websites (city, county, and fire agencies) and monitor local social media, news and radio for information.
- ACT EARLY if you need more time. Families that need more time due to additional needs, mobile property, and pets or livestock should begin preparing and making necessary arrangements for evacuation.
- Have your plan and go-kit ready.
Level 2: Be Set
Level 2 means BE SET to evacuate. There is significant danger in your area. You must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Load your 5-Ps (People, Pets, Pills, Photos and important Papers) and 72-Hour Kit into your vehicle. You MAY have time to gather necessary items, but you must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Level 2 is yellow on a map.
- Conditions change rapidly, leave early if you feel unsafe. If you have time, when leaving your home, write EVACUATED on a pillowcase & post it at the end of your driveway or on your door.
- Relocate to an area outside of the evacuation area (specified shelter (if activated) or with family/friends).
- THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE YOU RECEIVE. Don’t rely solely on the emergency notification system to evacuate. Things happen, emergencies escalate, power could be lost, or service could be lost. If you feel unsafe, don’t wait. Leave!
- Follow your evacuation plan and grab your kit.
- Check news and radio for updates.
During an evacuation, roads become congested with vehicles, dust and smoke, making evacuation a slow process. GO EARLY! Long before evacuation seems likely, Be READY, Be SET and GO NOW!
Level 3: Go Now!
Level 3 means GO, evacuate NOW. Leave Immediately. The danger in your area is extreme and you should evacuate immediately. It is unsafe to stay, and the danger threatens the safety of you, your loved ones, and emergency responders. A Level 3 may never come if a fire is fast moving and unpredictable. Level 3 is red on a map.
- DO NOT stop to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.
- Obey directions from law enforcement and fire department officials.
- Drive calmly and pay special attention to emergency vehicles.
- Do not block access to roadways for emergency vehicles or other evacuees.
- THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE YOU WILL RECEIVE.
- Do not return until officials announce it is safe to do so.
After Evacuation
Check in at an emergency shelter or temporary evacuation point. Whether you stay there or not, checking in will help others know that you are safe. Let loved ones know you are safe when possible.
- Take pets to a Pet Evacuation Center if needed.
- DO NOT call 9-1-1 for non-emergencies.
- Do not attempt to re-enter the fire area until it is declared safe by first responders.
- Stay Informed. Check local websites (city, county, and fire agencies) and monitor local social media, news and radio for information.
Learn more about active incidents, get alerts, evacuation guides, shelter information and more: