Evacuation Preparedness

Evacuation is not a single act but a process that begins long before a fire starts.  In Amador County, where wildfire risk is higher than 98% of all U.S. counties, "leaving early" is the most effective strategy to save lives.  Building upon the foundational work established in our previous guides - including the development of your Family Disaster Plan, the assembly of your Go-Bags, and your Wildfire Action Plan - Evacuation Preparedness focuses on the critical execution phase.

In Amador County, where rugged terrain and dense vegetation can cause wildfires to spread with extraordinary speed, having the right supplies is only half the battle; you must also have a clear practiced plan for when and how to leave.  This guide transitions from the "Ready" and "Set" phases into the "Go" phase, providing comprehensive strategies to ensure that every member of your household, including pets, livestock, and those with Access and Functional Needs, can reach safety quickly and in an orderly fashion.

Be in the Know: Information & Alerts

In an emergency, information is your most valuable asset.  Do not wait for a door-to-door notification.

• Sign up for Amador County Emergency Alerts: Register at https://www.amadorsheriff.org/
• Perimeter Map: Use https://perimetermap.com/Amador-CA for real-time visual representation of evacuation zones, road closures and shelter locations.
• Under Terminology:
  •  Shelter-In-Place: This means findings a safe, interior room inside the building you are currently occupying and staying there until local officials give the "all-clear."  Read more about Shelter-In-Place Preparedness here.
  • Evacuation Warning: Potential threat to life and possible.  Prepare now!  Those requiring extra time (those with Access & Functional Needs, those with livestock, and seniors) should leave immediately.
  • Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life - Leave Immediately! The area is close to the public.
  • Know your Evacuation Route: Click here to review and download the evacuation route map for your area.

Get Ready - Be Ready: Plans

• Family Readiness Guide: The Family Readiness Guide discussed in our Family Disaster Preparedness guide builds your household's permanent,  "all-disaster" foundation by establishing out-of-state contacts, establishing long-term food storage, school & workplace emergency protocols, general household resilience, home safety tips, and more.
• Wildfire Action Plan: This is a tactical guide specifically built for wildfire scenarios that follows the Ready, Set, Go! framework.  While it includes family preparation, a Wildfire Action Plan focuses on Home Hardening, Defensible Space, the "6 P's" of evacuation, establishing a Family Communication Plan, Insurance Preparedness, and much, much more.  Click here to download your own Wildfire Action Plan.

Having both of these plans prepared in tandem creates a "layered" defense that covers both your household's logistical needs and your property's physical survival.

Get Ready - Be Ready: Go-Bags

As discussed in our Mobile Preparedness & Go-Bags guide, every member of the household needs a Go-Bag.  Store it in an easy-to-access location, like in the car or by the front door.  We highly recommend reviewing our Mobile Preparedness guide for further information, but at a minimum, your Go-Bag should include: 

Go-Bag (72-Hour Kit)

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day (3-day minimum).
• Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items. 3-day supply minimum. (Energy bars, canned food, and a manual can opener).
• Prescription medications and medical items (7-day supply).
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio. (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible).
• First Aid Kit.
• Multi-Purpose Tool.
• Sanitation/Personal Hygiene: Moist towelettes, soap, toilet paper, feminine hygiene supplies, hand sanitizer, plastic bags with ties (for waste).
• Cell phone and portable charger/power bank.
• Family and emergency contact information.
• Cash in small denominations (ATMs may not work).
• Emergency blanket or sleeping bag.
• Local paper maps.
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.).

Pre-Evacuation Steps: Inside the House

If you have time before evacuating, follow these steps to give your home the best chance of surviving the wildfire:

• Pack your Go-Bag and have it ready.
• Check that your Wildfire Action Plan is up to date.
• Know your evacuation route, and destination.
• Close all windows and doors, but leave them unlocked.
• Take down flammable window treatments like shades and curtains, and close metal shutters.
• Move anything that burns easily to the middle of the rooms, away from windows and doors.
• Turn off the gas the meter and pilot lights.
• Leave lights on for firefighters to see your house in smoke.
• Switch off the air conditioning.

Pre-Evacuation Steps: Outside the House

• Bring in flammable items from outside, like patio furniture, toys, doormats, and trash bins.  Alternatively, place them in your pool.
• Shut off propane tanks.
• Move grills and other propane BBQ appliances away from the house.
• Attach garden hoses to outside taps for firefighter use and fill buckets with water to scatter around.
• Don't leave sprinklers or water running as it can lower critical water pressure.
• Keep exterior lights on to make your home visible in smoky or dark conditions.
• Put your Go-Bag in your car.
• Park your car in the driveway, facing outwards, loaded and ready, with all doors and windows shut.
• Have ladder handy for firefighter roof access.
• Seal attic and ground vents with plywood or commercial seals.
• Keep an eye on the fire situation and don't wait for an evacuation order if you feel at risk.
• Check with neighbors to ensure they're also prepared.

Pre-Evacuation Steps: Access and Functional Needs & Seniors

With nearly 28% of Amador County residents over age 65, specialized planning is required.

• Think now about potential challenges you may encounter evacuating during a disaster and plan accordingly.
• Follow the guidance and instruction of local authorities.
• Evacuate early if you need extra time or support to get out.
• Learn different evacuation routes to leave your community.
• Have a paper map in the event internet and cell services are down.
• Practice evacuating; use the transportation you would utilize in a disaster and involve the people in your support network.
• If you do not have access to your own personal transportation, identify local transit agencies/providers.
• Pack a Go-Bag with any supplies you will need.

Pre-Evacuation Steps: Animals

• Keeps pets close and ready to go.
• Plan for livestock evacuation early (during the Warning phase) and arrange transport and safe locations.
• Consider pre-registering with Evacuation Teams of Amador for animal evacuation assistance.
• If you must leave animals behind, place them in a cleared area with 48-72 hours of food and water.  Never tie them up or lock them in a barn.

Pre-Evacuation Steps: Clothing

Dress to protect yourself in a wildfire.  Wear clothes that cover your skin (100% cotton is best), like long pants and tops, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.  This helps guard you against heat and sparks.  Keep a change of clothes in your Go-Bag.

Execution: Time to Evacuate

Executing a timely evacuation requires moving with purpose while adhering to safety protocols designed to protect both your family and the community at large.  These suggestions detail critical procedures for a safe exit - from vehicle safety to navigating out of the area under emergency conditions.

*Again, we recommend reading our Mobile Preparedness & Go-Bags guide for tips on how prepare your vehicle before an emergency, car safety tips, and what to always keep in your car.*

• Check Your Neighbors: Before driving away, ensure your neighbors are aware of the threat, especially seniors or those with Access & Functional Needs who may require a ride.
• One Vehicle Rule: If possible, take only one car per household to keep county roads clear for emergency responders and to reduce traffic congestion.
• Double-check that you have your Go-Bags.  Ensure all windows and doors of the vehicle are rolled up to prevent embers from entering the cabin.
• Slow & Steady: Stay alert for other drivers and pedestrians.  Drive slowly and stay aware.  There could be livestock or other animals trying to get away just like you are.  If you cannot see through the wall of smoke, know that others are having the same difficulty.  Don't be afraid to use your horn to alert people to your presense.
• Once you reach a safe location, contact your pre-designated emergency contacts to report your status.

Tips if Trapped

• In your vehicle:
  • Stay calm.
  • Park in an area clear of vegetation.
  • Close all vehicle windows and doors.
  • Cover up with a wool blanket or jacket.
  • Lie on the vehicle floor.
  • Use your cell phone to call 911.
• On  foot:
  • Stay calm.
  • Move to a clear area, like a ditch or flat ground.
  • Lie face down and cover your body.
  • Use your cell phone to call 911.
• At home: 
  • Stay calm.
  • Gather your family.
  • Use your cell phone to call 911.
  • Fill sinks and tubs with cold water.
  • Keep doors and windows closed but unlocked.
  • Stay inside, away from outside walls and windows.

Returning Home Safely

Being aware of hazards is crucial when you return home.

• Wait for clearance: Don't go home until it's declared safe.
• Watch for dangers: Look out for things like downed power lines.
• Check gas lines: Be cautious with propane tanks and gas lines.
• Inspect for fire hazards: Search for any hidden embers or fires.

Resilience

Evacuation is a shared responsibility.  By preparing your household, hardening your property, and leaving early, you aren't just protecting your own family - you are clearing the way for our first responders to do their jobs safely.  Stay vigilant, stay informed, and when the order comes, don't wait: Go.

Remember, items can be replaced, but lives cannot.

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