Be Ready and Evacuate

When it’s your home that’s threatened, there is an incredible pull to stay and protect it. However, if the choice is stay and possibly perish or go and possibly rebuild, your choice should be clear. Eight of the 15 people who perished in the 2003 Cedar Fire near San Diego chose to stay and did not evacuate until the flames came over the hill. By the time they tried to leave, it was tragically too late.

If you live in a forest community, be prepared to heed evacuation warnings. Here are some simple steps to get you out safely with the supplies you’ll need.

  • Prepare an emergency evacuation kit. This might include:
    • A change of clothes for each member of your household, including shoes
    • Spare glasses and/or contact lenses
    • Extra medications or copies of prescriptions
    • Hygiene products and diapers for babies
    • Bottled water, snacks, baby formula / food and pet food
    • Copies of important health documents and pet vaccinations (the latter might be important if your pet is sheltered)
    • Contact information for family and friends who might be concerned about your well-being
    • Extra house keys and car keys
    • Flashlight
    • Battery-operated radio
    • Extra batteries
    • Blankets & towels
    • First Aid Kit
  • Leave only fire-resistant and irrigated plants close to structures. Fire-resistive plants include hardwoods and those with fine leaves. For specific plant recommendations, visit this site.
  • Create a list of important items you would pack if warned to evacuate (remember—you might have less than 30 minutes to pack and leave). In addition to your evacuation kit mentioned above, consider family photos, jewelry, computers, family records, pet kennels, etc.
  • Have a plan of care for your pets. Don’t leave your pets behind!
  • Have a list of key phone numbers and web sites that will provide evacuation information. In Arizona, these include: www.az211.gov and http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc. Outside Arizona, contact your local fire department or chapter of the American Red Cross for guidance.

If you are evacuated…

Flames visible on Juniper Ridge some 8 miles west of Show Low. Photo by Arizona Department of Public Safety-Highway Patrol.
 
  • LEAVE! No house or possessions are worth losing your life.
  • Take your pets. If you can’t keep them with you, contact your local Humane Society for guidance.
  • Contact loved ones to let them know you are safe and where you are staying during the evacuation.
  • Go to the designated shelter and register there, whether you are staying there or not. This helps local officials know how to contact you with updated information on your property. Also, if concerned loved ones are trying to locate you, they will often call the shelter.
  • If you’re not staying at the designated shelter, check in there often for messages and updates.
  • Stay outside the evacuated area until officials say it is safe to return.