In the event of an emergency this site is not monitored. For current information go to https://emergency.marincounty.org.

Create an Evacuation Plan

What will you do if you must immediately evacuate your home? What if you have one hour to prepare? What if you are under an evacuation warning that could last for days?

Each one of us will answer these questions differently. That is why we need to make a personalized evacuation plan.

What to Include in Your Evacuation Plan

  1.  How will you be notified?

Sign up for emergency alerts and warnings @ AlertMarin.org. 

  1.   Where will you go?

Head downhill, away from the fire.  Usually the fastest way to a main road is the best route. Don’t use fire roads and follow directions from emergency responders to safety. You may be directed to a temporary area of refuge, typically a large parking lot or open space with minimal vegetation where you can safely park in your car until the fire passes.

  1.   How will you get there?

Get in a car and go as quickly as possible.  A vehicle will provide protection from heat and burning embers.  If you do not have a car, you must preplan a way to evacuate. Working with close neighbors is usually the best strategy.

  1.   What will you bring with you?

The most important thing to bring is your life.  Grab your medicine, ID, glasses, phone and charger, and Go Bag. If you have time, remember that if it won’t fit on a couch, it won’t fit in your car.

  1.   Who will you contact?

Once you’re in the car, call your emergency contacts to let them know you are evacuating. 

More Tips

  • Study our wildfire evacuation guide.
  • Learn the different escape routes from your home and community. Practice these often so everyone in your family is familiar in case of emergency.
  • Have an evacuation plan for pets and large animals such as horses and other livestock.
  • Predetermine a designated emergency meeting location outside the fire or hazard area. This is critical to determine who has safely evacuated from the affected area.
  • A family communication plan that designates an out-of-area friend or relative as a point of contact to act as a single source of communication among family members in case of separation. (It is easier to call or message one person and let them contact others than to try and call everyone when phone, cell, and internet networks can be overloaded or limited during a disaster.)
  • Download and print our evacuation checklist, which includes a condensed family emergency communication plan template.

Be Prepared

  • Follow our evacuation checklist whenever there is a wildfire burning nearby or when fire weather conditions are severe.
  • Assemble an evacuation go-kit for each person in your household, including an extra go-kit for visitors. 
  • Maintain a list of emergency contact numbers in your family communication plan and keep it posted near your phone and in your emergency supply kit.
  • Keep an extra evacuation go-kit in your car in case you cannot get to your home because of fire or another emergency.
  • Have a portable AM/FM radio or scanner so you can stay updated on the fire.
  • Tell your neighbors about these resources and your wildfire evacuation plan.
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