Wildfire Evacuation Basics for Households
Go-bag timing, air quality, and evacuation routes — Ready.gov and CAL FIRE aligned steps.
Before fire season
- Know two evacuation routes from home; drive them once when skies are clear.
- Maintain 72-hour kit and vehicle half-tank habit.
- Create defensible space per local fire authority guidance — remove roof debris, move firewood away from structures.
- Sign up for county emergency alerts.
When warnings escalate
Ready.gov advises leaving early when authorities recommend — roads fail quickly in smoke and traffic.
- Pack go-bags, meds, documents, pets.
- Wear N95 or P100 if heavy smoke during exit (EPA smoke guidance).
- Do not assume you can outdrive a fast-moving fire front.
Air quality indoors
If not under evacuation order but smoke is heavy: close windows, run HEPA filtration if available, avoid strenuous indoor activity.
Key takeaways
- Two routes, early departure, defensible space.
- Smoke is a health hazard even miles from flame front.
- Cross-link home insurance docs before season starts.