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Free Wildfire Evacuation Checklist

By August 8, 2018April 10th, 2023No Comments

UPDATED! Download our printable Evacuation Ckecklist and Family Communication Plan!  Print a copy for every family member and fill out in advance. Available in English and Spanish.When an evacuation is anticipated, follow these checklists (if time allows) to give you and your home the best chance of surviving a wildfire.

In General

Monitor local news and radio stations for fire information.  In Marin, AM740, 810 and FM 88.5 are good options.

checkbox Alert your neighbors, especially if they are have children, or are elderly or disabled.

On Your Person

  • checkbox Dress in long sleeves and long pants, heavy cotton or wool is preferable no matter how hot it is.
  • checkbox Wear leather gloves, head, and eye protection – goggles are best.
  • checkbox Cover your face with a dry bandanna or cotton or wool cloth or scarf OVER an N95 respirator.
  • checkbox Carry a headlamp and flashlight (even during the day), cell phone, and spare battery.
  • checkbox Carry your car keys and wallet on your person.
  • checkbox Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.

Animals

  • checkbox Locate your pets and place in carriers NOW.  You will not be able to catch them when panicked as a fire approaches.
  • checkbox Be sure your pets wear tags and are microchipped.
  • checkbox Place carriers (with your pets in them) near the front door, with fresh water and extra food.
  • checkbox Prepare horses and large animals for transport and consider moving them to a safe location early, before evacuation is ordered.
  • Learn more about evacuating pets…
  • Learn more about evacuating large animals…

Inside the House

  • checkbox Shut all windows and doors, leave them UNLOCKED.
  • checkbox Remove flammable window shades and lightweight curtains; close metal shutters.
  • checkbox Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
  • checkbox Shut off gas at the meter or propane tank; turn off pilot lights.
  • checkbox Leave all indoor and outdoor lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions.
  • checkbox Shut off air conditioning and house fans.

Outside

  • checkbox  Gather up combustible items outside the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, etc).  Optionally move them at least 30′ from any structure, or place in your pool.

    checkbox  Turn off propane tanks.

    checkbox  Move propane BBQ appliances indoors or at least 30’ from structures and close tank valves.

    checkbox  Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Attach squeeze-grip nozzles if you have them.

    checkbox Fill water buckets and place them around the outside of house, especially near decks and fences.

    checkbox  Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running, they are ineffective and can reduce critical water pressure for the entire neighborhood.

    checkbox  Hosing your roof down is dangerous and ineffective.  Clean your gutters and blow leaves away from house instead (only if time allows).

    checkbox  Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness of night.

    checkbox  Back your car into the driveway so it is facing out, with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed.

    checkbox  Unlock and prop open fence and side gates.

    checkbox  Place ladder(s) at the corner(s) of structures for firefighters to quickly access the roof.

    checkbox  Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.

    checkbox  Patrol your property and monitor the fire situation.

    checkbox  Don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened.

    checkbox  Check on or call neighbors and make sure they are aware and preparing to leave.

    checkbox  Assist elderly or disabled residents.

    checkbox  Carpool to reduce traffic when evacuating!

Fire Safe Marin

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