Evacuations
Getting an Evacuation Order or Warning can be a scary and uncertain time. WSF is here to help you and your family safely evacuate. Please use the below information to help you get to safety. Once evacuated, check WSF's website for updates and available resources. The steps below are only recommendations if time permits and should be revised based on your ability to safely leave your home.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN PLACED UNDER AN EVACUATION WARNING/ORDER, PLEASE DO NOT PLAN TO STAY IN YOUR HOME. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE SAFE.
Evacuation Steps By Timeframe
Less than 30 Minutes Evacuation Notice
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Locate family members and animals.
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Get animals in vehicle
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Grab Go-Bag/Container(s), grab last minute items, put everything in the vehicle(s).
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Know your evacuation routes
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Get Out! Listen to the First Responders, do not stay at home, leave immediately!
2+ Hours Evacuation Notice
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Get Organized - Locate family members; Decide who is going to grab items on the Evacuation Checklist.
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Locate animals, put harnesses/halters, confine them in a secure location.
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Grab Go-Bag/Container(s), grab last minute items, put everything in the vehicle(s), or next to the door.
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Have your Point of Contact work on arranging a place for you and your animals to go, including large animals.
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Arrange transportation for family and animals; check gas in vehicles; know your evacuation routes; attach trailers to vehicles;
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Monitor disaster and watch for a change in evacuation status.
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Start working to complete items on the Before Leaving Home Checklist.
30 Minutes - 1 Hour Evacuation Notice
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Get Organized - Locate family members; Decide who is going to grab the highest priority items first on the Evacuation Checklist.
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Locate animals, put harnesses/halters, confine them in a secure cage, pen, or area.
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Grab Go-Bag/Container(s), grab last minute items, put everything in the vehicle(s).
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Know your evacuation routes; attach trailers to vehicles and load large animals, if there is time.
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Have your Point of Contact work on arranging a place for you and your animals to go, including large animals.
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Monitor disaster and watch for a change in evacuation status.
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Do as many items on the Before Leaving Home Checklist, if there is time.
1-2 Hours Evacuation Notice
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Get Organized - Locate family members; Decide who is going to grab the high priority items on the Evacuation Checklist.
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Locate animals, put harnesses/halters, confine them in a secure location.
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Grab Go-Bag/Container(s), grab last minute items, put everything in the vehicle(s), or next to the door.
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Arrange transportation for family and animals; check gas in vehicles; know your evacuation routes; attach trailers to vehicles;
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Have your Point of Contact work on arranging a place for you and your animals to go, including large animals.
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Monitor disaster and watch for a change in evacuation status.
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Complete higher priority items on the Before Leaving Home Checklist.
Quick Links: Evacuation Forms and Checklists
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Evacuation Road Map Checklist Walks you through the steps to take to safely evacuate your family.
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Disaster Point of Contact Checklist Explains why having a Point of Contact during an evacuation can save precious time.
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Go Bag/Container(s) Contents Checklist A list of the most important items to put in your Go Bag and Container(s). If you have just minutes to evacuate, this may be the only thing you can grab and take with you, so it is important you include in it what is most important. And, if there is time clothing and personal care items for all members of your household. Try and combine all the items in one tote to save on space in your vehicle.
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Final Checklist Before Leaving Home Provides a list of tasks that should be done prior to evacuating your home. Time may not allow you to do them all, so prioritize the ones that increases the chances of your home surviving a wildland fire.