How to Prepare for Fire Evacuation Order

Develop a Fire Emergency Plan Before Fire Threatens

Sep 4, 2009

Wildfires can force homeowners to leave their home on short notice. Be prepared by having a fire evacuation plan in place before wildfires threaten.

Forest fires can occur at any time either through natural forces of nature or human negligence. When a forest fire threatens, residents are often told to evacuate their homes on a moment’s notice. Any homeowner who lives in an area prone to wildfires should have a fire evacuation plan in place.

Homeowners who live in a forested area should plan ahead and develop a fire emergency plan long before a fire is threatening the area. To develop a fire evacuation plan, homeowners should make a list of all items they will need to take should an emergency fire evacuation be issued.

List of Items to Bring In Case of a Fire Emergency

Items homeowners should plan to take with them in case of a forest fire include a three to seven day supply of medications, a portable fire-proof safe containing important personal papers such as birth certificates, social security cards and other documents, photos, portable hard drive or lap top computer with all personal information and digital images. Homeowners should also plan to take essential valuables, cell phone, extra charged cell phone battery or phone charger, list of important phone numbers, extra clothing for each family member and toiletry items.

Other items to take along if a fire evacuation is issued include sleeping bags or blankets for each individual, battery powered radio, flashlight and first aid kit. Homeowners should also bring an extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts, extra cash, credit cards and car keys.

Homeowners should keep the special needs of pets and children in mind when preparing a list of items to bring along in case of an evacuation due to fire. For pets, homeowners should plan to bring along a pet carrier, extra food and water. For families with infants, plan to bring along a week’s supply of diapers, formula and baby food.

Keep Fire Evacuation Plan in Convenient Location

Keep the fire evacuation list and non-essential items in a box that is ready to grab should an emergency fire evacuation be issued. Consider storing some extra food and water in the box so it is available when needed. A large plastic tote works well for storing items that are not needed on a daily basis.

Keep an extra plastic tote or two handy to fill with items on the fire evacuation plan list in case an emergency evacuation is issued.

Homeowners can minimize the stress of a looming forest fire by preparing for the disaster ahead of time. Homeowners should know their evacuation plan and practice their exit routes long before a forest fire happens to keep all family members safe.

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The copyright of the article How to Prepare for Fire Evacuation Order in Seasonal Home Maintenance is owned by Wendy Roltgen. Permission to republish How to Prepare for Fire Evacuation Order in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.