California wildfires: What should I take if I have to evacuate?
Here's a checklist of what you should take with you if you are ordered to evacuate because of a wildfire.
The 2024 California wildfire season has started, and if you live in an area where wildfires are a threat, now is the time to double-check how prepared you are if a fire is burning toward your neighborhood.
Don’t wait for an evacuation order or even a warning to start thinking about what you should take if you have to flee.
Here’s a checklist of important things to gather together and be ready to take. For more information, check out FireSafeMarin.org’s list and other tips on how to prepare for wildfires.
- Photographs of all family members.
- Food and water (for up to seven days, if possible).
- Pets (if advance warning, take to an approved shelter).
- Pet ID tags, medications, leashes and water bowls.
- Change of clothing for each person (for one to seven days).
- Cell phones and chargers. Laptop computer. External backup hard drives.
- Health and car insurance cards and related documents.
- Property deeds.
- Marriage license.
- Tax papers.
- Birth certificates.
- Drivers’ licenses.
- Checkbook, credit cards, cash, wallet, purse.
- Prescription and other medications.
- First-aid kit.
- Prescription eyewear, dentures, hearing aids.
- Jewelry.
- Irreplaceable keepsakes.
- Flashlights and a portable radio with extra batteries.