Green hills covered with trees

Safety & Evacuation

Wildfire Safety & Evacuation:
Be Ready Before the Fire Starts

When wildfire threatens, there may be only minutes to act. That’s why preparing in advance—with a solid safety and evacuation plan—can make all the difference.

Wildfires move fast, often driven by wind and dry conditions, and waiting until the last moment can be deadly. With planning and practice, you can protect your family, your pets, and your home.

Quicklinks

Stay Informed

Staying up to date on fire conditions is essential:

  • Sign up for emergency alerts from Alert Monterey County and Watch Duty .

  • Monitor local news, fire agency websites, and weather reports during fire season.

  • Know your evacuation zone and be aware of current evacuation warnings or orders.

Create an Evacuation Plan

Everyone in your household should know exactly what to do if a fire threatens your home:

  • Plan multiple escape routes from your home and neighborhood.

  • Designate a meeting place outside the evacuation area where all family members can reconnect.

  • Know how to evacuate with pets and livestock, including carriers, trailers, or transport crates.

  • Arrange transportation in advance for anyone with limited mobility or without a vehicle.

Practice your evacuation plan regularly so it becomes second nature.

Prepare a Go Bag

Pack a wildfire evacuation “Go Bag” that’s easy to grab in a hurry. Store it in a convenient location, and include:

  • Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, property records)

  • Medications, glasses, and essential medical supplies

  • Phone chargers, flashlight, batteries, and a radio

  • Clothing, sturdy shoes, and N95 masks

  • Nonperishable food and water (at least 3 days supply)

  • Cash, maps, and emergency contact information

  • Include supplies for pets—leashes, carriers, food, water, and medication.

Harden Your Home & Property

If there’s time before you evacuate and it’s safe to do so:

  • Shut all windows and doors to prevent ember entry

  • Turn off gas lines and propane tanks

  • Move flammable items (patio furniture, firewood) away from the home

  • Leave lights on so firefighters can see your home through smoke

Know the Evacuation Levels

  • Level 1: Be Ready

    Stay alert and monitor conditions. Prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.

  • Level 2: Be Set

    Have your car packed and be ready to evacuate. Conditions can change quickly.

  • Level 3: Go Now!

    Do not delay. Lives are at risk. Leave immediately.

Returning Home Safely

Only return home when officials declare it safe. Be aware of:

  • Hot spots, fallen trees, and downed power lines

  • Structural damage or toxic ash

  • Poor air quality due to lingering smoke

Wear protective gear, and document any damage for insurance purposes.

Should You Stay or Go?

Confirm if there are evacuation or shelter-in-place orders for your area.
Assess if it's safe for you to comply with those orders or warnings.

It’s recommended that you follow evacuation or shelter-in-place orders, but only if it’s safe to do so.
There may be local conditions that first responders aren’t aware of that make compliance unsafe.

Evacuation

Time-permitting, evacuation is generally the safest decision for residents and first responders.

Benefits include:

  • Being safely away from the fire

  • Access to medical care, shelter, water, food

  • Less stress for family and friends

  • Reduced need for rescue

Risks include:

  • Being overrun by fire during evacuation

  • Delayed departure

  • Blocked or congested roadways

  • Vehicle failure

Evacuating? Things You Can Do

  • EVACUATE – Leave immediately if so instructed

  • PREPARE – Close doors, windows, curtains, garage door

  • LISTEN – Stay informed via text, web, phone, TV, radio

  • AGREE – Identify a meeting place for family and friends

  • FUEL – Fill vehicles with fuel, ensure they’re in proper running order

  • STUFF – Stock an emergency supply bag

  • FILL – Charge exterior hose lines

  • PLAN – Map multiple escape routes

  • IDENTIFY – Look for safety (fire-free) zones close to home

    • EVACUATE – Leave immediately if so instructed

    • PREPARE – Close doors, windows, curtains, garage door

    • LISTEN – Stay informed via text, web, phone, TV, radio

    • AGREE – Identify a meeting place for family and friends

    • FUEL – Fill vehicles with fuel, ensure they’re in proper running order

    • STUFF – Stock an emergency supply bag

    • FILL – Charge exterior hose lines

    • PLAN – Map multiple escape routes

    • IDENTIFY – Look for safety (fire-free) zones close to home

Shelter In Place

Sheltering in place may be viable if evacuation is not possible.
Conditions that support shelter in place include:

  • Fire-resistant structures and materials

  • Adequate fire clearance

  • Water access and firefighting tools

  • Reliable communication with first responders

Even under favorable conditions, sheltering in place can be dangerous. If possible, evacuate early to reduce risk to yourself and first responders.

Sheltering In Place? Things You Can Do

  • EVACUATE – Reconsider evacuation

  • NOTIFY – Inform first responders of your situation

  • WEAR – Don fire-retardant clothing

  • REMOVE – Move flammable material away from structures

  • CLOSE – Shut doors, windows, curtains, garage door

  • SHUT OFF – Close propane or natural gas valves

  • CHARGE – Charge exterior hose lines

  • SCRAPE – Carry a McLeod, rake, or shovel for spot fires

  • WATCH – Look for embers at attic or foundation vents

  • CLEAR – Before a fire, prepare property per fire guidelines

Be Empowered, Not Afraid

Wildfire safety and evacuation planning is not just about reacting — it’s about preparing. Create your plan, pack your go bag, and practice your routes. Talk with your neighbors and work together as a community. When you’re prepared, you’re empowered.

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Fire Adapted Big Sur is a program of the Community Association of Big Sur