Category Hub
Evacuation Planning
Evacuation goes smoothly for households that made decisions in advance. Here's how to be one of them.
Why This Category Matters
Evacuation orders can come with very little warning. Wildfires, flash floods, gas leaks, hazardous material incidents, and other events can require households to leave within minutes. The households that leave safely are invariably the ones that prepared before the emergency.
Where to Start
1
Know your evacuation zone designation
2
Plan two evacuation routes from your home
3
Keep go-bags packed and accessible year-round
4
Keep vehicle fuel at least half-full during risk seasons
5
Know where you're going before you need to leave
Guides in This Category
Evacuation Planning Guide
Routes, timing, what to take, and what to leave.
72-Hour Bug-Out Bag Guide
What to pack so you can leave in minutes.
Wildfire Evacuation Guide
Specific guidance for wildfire evacuation.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting for a mandatory order before leaving — voluntary zones exist for a reason
- Not knowing your evacuation route before the emergency
- Having a go-bag that's not actually ready (expired food, dead batteries)
- Forgetting pets or their documentation in the rush