EVACUATION'S PART I : Long Before Fire Threatens, Plan Your Evacuation.

Make a list of items you want to take with you during an evacuation. Here's an example, but prepare your own list.

IMPORTANT STUFF:

• prescriptions, medications
• eyeglasses
• important documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance papers & inventory, personal phone & address books, tax records, personal finance floppy disks, children's school records, inoculation & vaccination records, photos, art)
• jewelry
• pet, pet food, leash, carrier
• child's favorite toy
• other...
• Keep your "Important Stiff" list handy.
• Keep sturdy boxes ready for collecting things on your list.
• Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit.

EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

When fire threatens, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit that includes items you'll need if you have to evacuate. Store them in easy-to-carry containers such as back-packs, plastic crates...

• a three-day water supply (1 gallon per person per day)
• a three-day food supply that won't spoil, and a way to open it.
• one change of clothes & shoes per person
• one blanket or sleeping bag per person
• a first aid kit that includes family prescriptions
• spare eyeglasses
• emergency tools
• battery powered radio
• flashlight
• plenty of extra batteries
• extra set of car keys
• toilet supplies
• special items for infants, elderly, disabled
• sunglasses
• goggles (for high wind or blowing embers)
• work gloves
• more??? use your imagination...what things help YOU in times of stress?
• If possible, involve your children in the planning - let them feel part of the process.
• Review and update your "Important Stuff" list & Emergency Supply Kit periodically.
• Learn alternate ways out of your neighborhood, in case the usual way becomes blocked.
• Plan how you'll transport your pet.
• If you have large animals, learn how to prepare. Call your local Department of Animal Control or Humane Society.
• Designate a relative or friend as an out-of-area contact through whom family members can relay information. Long distance phone systems often work while local communications are overloaded.
• You may not be home when wildfire threatens. Authorities must close roads for safety and you may not be able to enter. Make arrangements in advance for persons or pets who will be home when you're not.