A family working together on a wildfire action plan on a dining table.

A wildfire action plan can help your family think through and prepare for an emergency. Prepare a wildfire action plan well in advance of a wildfire and make sure everyone in your household is familiar with the plan.

How to Make a Wildfire Action Plan 

Each family’s plan will be a little different and depend on a variety of issues, needs and situations. Use the checklist below to start creating your very own wildfire action plan:

  • Set a meeting location. Select an emergency meeting location outside the fire or hazard area. This will help to determine who has safely evacuated from the affected area.
  • Identify escape routes. Identify several different escape routes from your home and community. Practice these often so everyone in your family is familiar with them in case of an emergency.
  • Develop an animal evacuation plan. Have an evacuation plan for pets and large animals such as horses and other livestock.
  • Create a family communication plan. Designate 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's easier to contact one person and let them contact others rather than trying to contact everyone when phone systems could be overloaded.
  • Prepare vulnerable family members. Children, seniors, and those with disabilities may need special consideration when preparing a wildfire action plan.

Additional PREPARATIONS

  • Keep fire extinguishers on hand. Train your family on how to use fire extinguishers and check the expiration dates regularly.
  • Learn how to shut off your utilities. Ensure that your family knows where your gas, electric and water main shut-off controls are located and how to safely shut them down in an emergency.
  • Assemble an emergency supply kit. Create a to-go bag for each person in your household with enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Keep an extra kit in your car in case you cannot get to your home because of a fire or other emergency.
  • Maintain a list of emergency contact numbers. Keep them posted near your phone and in your emergency supply kit.