How to prepare your family for wildfire: checklist, go-bags, and evacuation plans
Preparing your family for wildfire ensures that if a fire threatens, you can evacuate quickly and safely—or shelter in place with the right supplies. This guide offers a comprehensive wildfire preparedness checklist designed to help families plan ahead and reduce risk.
Review your plan at least once a year, especially before fire season. The steps may feel like a lot, but advance preparation dramatically reduces chaos and danger if a wildfire emergency strikes.
1. Create a family emergency plan
Start with a household meeting to talk about wildfire safety. Every family member—including kids—should know what to do.
Key components of the plan include:
-> Evacuation routes and meeting places
Choose at least two exit routes from your neighborhood in case one is blocked by fire (readyforwildfire.org).
Decide where your family will reunite if separated—choose a primary location (e.g., a relative’s home) and a backup spot further away.
Assign an out-of-area contact person for updates if local communication fails.
-> Communication strategy
Teach everyone how to send a text message—texts often go through when calls don’t.
Make sure all household members memorize key phone numbers.
Sign up for emergency alerts like Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and reverse 911.
Explain the difference between evacuation warnings and evacuation orders so everyone knows when to leave.
-> Roles and responsibilities
Assign tasks: who grabs the go-bags, who handles pets, who drives which car.
Include backup plans in case someone isn’t home (e.g., an older child or neighbor may need to start the process).
Once you’ve made your plan, practice it. Run a family fire drill. Simulate loading pets and gear into the car, driving your routes, and timing the process. Rehearsal helps identify problems—and eases panic during the real thing.
2. Pack a family emergency “go bag”
When a wildfire looms, you may have only minutes to leave. A pre-packed “go bag” makes a huge difference. Store it in an accessible place like a front closet, garage, or car trunk. Essentials to include:
-> Food and water
Pack at least 3 days of non-perishable food and 3 gallons of water per person (readyforwildfire.org).
Choose portable items like granola bars, dried fruit, and canned goods (don’t forget a can opener).
Water is heavy—store larger quantities in the car, but include bottles in your go-bag.
-> Medications and first aid
Include a first aid kit and necessary prescriptions for all family members (readyforwildfire.org).
Pack extras for inhalers, insulin, EpiPens, or contact lens solution.
-> Documents and cash
Store copies of IDs, insurance, medical records, and home inventory in a waterproof pouch.
Include emergency cash in small bills—ATMs may be offline.
-> Clothing and personal items
One change of clothes per person, plus sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate gear (readyforwildfire.org).
Don’t forget diapers, baby formula, eyeglasses, or hearing aids if applicable.
-> Electronics and communication
Pack a flashlight, battery-powered radio, and portable phone charger (readyforwildfire.org).
Keep extra batteries and a written list of emergency contacts.
Solar or hand-crank chargers are helpful backups.
-> Hygiene and sanitation
Include toilet paper, wipes, garbage bags, feminine products, hand sanitizer, and N95 or KN95 masks for smoke protection.
-> Other essentials
Bring a whistle, duct tape, maps, multipurpose tool, and a small fire extinguisher (readyforwildfire.org).
If space allows: pack a compact stove and pot.
-> Pet supplies
Prepare a pet go-bag with food, water, bowls, leashes, carriers, meds, and vaccination records.
Include a photo of you with your pet in case of separation.
Keep go-bags updated: rotate out food, water, and medications every 6 months. Store bags in a cool, dry spot—and let everyone know where they are. Some families prepare multiple kits (one in each car) for flexibility.
3. Stay informed and ready
Stay ahead of wildfires by signing up for text and phone alerts from your county or state (ready.gov). If you live in a high-risk area, consider a NOAA weather radio for 24/7 updates.
Pay attention to Fire Weather Forecasts—if a Red Flag Warning is issued, be extra prepared:
Park your car facing out.
Keep phones charged and your gas tank at least half full (ready.gov).
Consider relocating kids or elderly family members in advance if fire risk is high.
Learn your evacuation zone—counties often assign letters or numbers to help officials issue targeted orders (ready.gov). Know where your nearest shelter is located and how to get there quickly.
4. What to do when a wildfire approaches
If there’s a fire nearby or you receive an evacuation warning, don’t wait.
Load your go-bags and important items (valuables, keepsakes, documents) into your car.
Wear protective clothing: long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, goggles, and a mask.
If time allows, prep your home:
Close all windows and doors.
Turn off HVAC systems.
Move flammable furniture away from windows.
Leave indoor and outdoor lights on to help firefighters see through smoke (sba.gov).
If evacuation becomes mandatory, go immediately. Follow official routes—even if different from your plan. Authorities make those decisions based on real-time fire behavior.
If you have time, leave a visible signal (like a white cloth on your mailbox) to show that your home has been evacuated.
5. If you can’t evacuate
Sheltering in place is dangerous—but sometimes unavoidable. Prepare a safe room in your home:
Choose a room with few windows, like a bathroom or laundry room.
Close doors, windows, and vents (ready.gov).
Block smoke entry using towels or duct tape.
Use a portable air purifier, if available.
Stay together and call 911 to report your location if trapped (ready.gov).
Choose a room on the opposite side of the fire with a secondary exit if possible.
While being trapped is terrifying, these steps can improve your survival odds.
Final tips and mindset
Review and practice your family plan regularly—especially with kids. Show children what firefighters in gear look like so they aren’t frightened during a rescue. Some families even teach basic fire extinguisher use.
Having a plan, a checklist, and supplies gives you control in a stressful moment. Wildfires can escalate in minutes, but a prepared family reacts faster and safer.
In summary
Being wildfire-ready as a family means:
Having a practiced plan.
Preparing emergency go-bags.
Knowing when and how to evacuate.
Staying informed and alert.
As the saying goes:
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
With the steps above, you’re doing just that—and giving your family the best chance to stay safe when wildfires threaten.
