How to Make a Family Emergency Plan for Wildfires

With a growing number of severe wildfire incidents, today many families are found unprepared when disaster strikes like this, given the challenge of climate change. 

A wildfire evacuation plan is not just being precautious but essential for providing family safety. This guide will walk you through the various steps required to develop a strong evacuation plan in such an emergency.

Assess the Hazards in your Area 

Understanding the wildfire risk in your region is critical before developing an evacuation plan. These include regions of California, Australia, and parts of the Mediterranean that have predisposed characteristics to widespread fires. However, under some conditions, it may happen anywhere.

Determine the risk of your home by checking with local resources or online through government fire hazard mapping systems. You can use the maps to know how far your home is from fire-prone areas. For ongoing information, subscribe to local fire alerts and any guidelines forwarded by emergency services.

forest fire at daytime

Determine Emergency Exits 

The ability to evacuate quickly and safely is key in the chaos of a wildfire. Since wildfires can quickly spread and block roads or highways, it is important to identify more than one evacuation route. When planning, consider more than one way to get out of your home and at least two possible ways out of your neighborhood.

After identifying the primary and secondary routes, practice them with your family. By identifying the said routes, there is less panic and confusion in case of a real occurrence. Choose meeting places outside the danger area where family members can go and wait if they become separated during an evacuation.

If your property is damaged in a wildfire, you may also need to navigate the legal implications, such as insurance claims or disputes with utility companies. In such cases, consulting a California wildfire lawyer can help ensure you recover any losses and receive the support you need to rebuild.

Put Together a Wildfire Preparedness Kit

Every family ought to have a pre-packaged emergency kit ready in case of a wildfire. The kit should include basic needs for at least three days because it may be impossible to get home immediately. Items to include in your emergency kit:

  • Potable water and non-perishable food
  • First aid box with all necessary medication
  • N95 masks for protection from inhaling smoke
  • Important documents such as IDs and insurance documents need to be put in a waterproof case
  • Flashlights, batteries, and blankets

Make sure everyone in your home knows where the emergency kit is located. Check at least annually to update the contents.

Include Members of Your Household in the Plan

Not all members of a family will have similar needs in an evacuation. Be sure to include children, elderly relatives, and those with medical conditions in your planning. Assign specific responsibilities to each family member so there is no confusion at the last moment. For instance, one person could be in charge of gathering important documents, and another getting the children and pets ready to go.

Don’t forget to prepare carriers, leashes, and food for your pets. It is convenient and handy to bring extra supplies of any medications or special needs required for all members of the household.

Stay Informed About the Wildfire

Knowing what’s going on can be the difference during a wildfire, so it’s very important. Enroll in emergency notifications from local authorities to ensure you receive real-time information about issues such as evacuation orders and fire movement. Most local jurisdictions offer text alerts or apps to help keep you up-to-date.

Have a battery-powered radio with you to hear information from emergency broadcasts if power or cell service is lost. Always follow official advice — don’t wait for the last moment. Leave as soon as an evacuation warning is issued so that you’re not trapped by encroaching flames.

In 2023 alone, there were thousands of homes destroyed and countless evacuations caused by wildfires.

Having a wildfire evacuation plan might seem overwhelming, but it’s necessary for your family’s well-being. By knowing the risks around you, planning your evacuation routes, preparing an emergency supply kit, and preparing all family members and pets, you will greatly increase your chances of a safe escape. Stay informed and practice your plan regularly, as each second counts when a wildfire starts. Don’t wait for the next wildfire alert—get started now making your family evacuation plan.