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This checklist, compiled by the Santa Cruz Sentinel, is an excellent resource to use to prepare for any type of emergency, but especially for wildfires and house fires. It is helpful to read through the checklist and make preparations in case of a fire (like keeping all your important documents in one easily-accessible location), and to talk about the checklist with all family members. It is published below so you can print it and check off items you have completed.

EVACUATION CHECKLIST

HIGHLIGHTS

Pack important papers
Turn off gas
Distance BBQ tanks
Pet cages/carriers & food
Leave outside lights on so FD can see your home through smoke.

WHAT TO TAKE

Family
Photographs of all family members
Pets (if advance warning, take to an approved shelter)
Pet ID tags
Pet medications
Pet leashes
Pet water bowls
Documents
Health insurance card
Car insurance card
House deed
Marriage license
Insurance papers
Tax papers
Birth certificates
Drivers’ licenses
Legal documents
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Computer backup disks
Computers (time permitting)
Money
Check books
Savings books
Credit cards
Cash
Purse
Wallet
Blank checks
Medications
Prescriptions
Analgesics
Motion sickness tablets
First-aid kit
Prescription glasses
Prescription dentures
Prescription hearing aids
Jewelry
Gold, silver, and other valuable jewelry
Family heirlooms
Decorations, pins, awards - Sentimental
Photos and albums, slides, movies, home videos
Family Bible
Irreplaceable keepsakes
Original paintings
Food and Water (for three to seven days - if time permits)
Water (at least one gallon per person and pet per day)
Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food
Pet food
Pet treats
Manual can opener
Toiletries (if time permits)
Soap and towels
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shaving articles
Sanitary devices
Clothing (appropriate for the season - if time permits)
Change of clothing for each person (for one to seven days)
Coats and jackets
Hats and caps
Gloves and scarves
Shoes and boots
Change of underwear
Sleepwear
Infant supplies and toys
Additional Items to Take (if time permits)
Cell phones
Reading material
Recreational items
First-aid kit
Flashlights and extra batteries
Portable radio and extra batteries
Cameras and extra batteries

WHAT TO DO BEFORE LEAVING

Fill evacuation vehicle gas tank
Park evacuation vehicle in the garage heading toward street and travel route
Close evacuation car windows but DO NOT LOCK CAR and leave keys in ignition
Close garage door but leave it unlocked (disconnect automatic garage door opener)
Establish an evacuation plan, travel route, probable destination
Determine where separated members will meet
Follow any official agency’s evacuation instructions
Turn off natural gas at meter
Disconnect propane tank
Close or cover outside vents and shutters
Remove combustible items from around the outside of the house
Turn off appliances, thermostats, fireplaces, stoves
Leave one light on in each general area so firefighters can see your house in dark and smoke
Release any livestock in the area
Close fire resistant window coverings, heavy drapes, and Venetian blinds
Move overstuffed furniture away from windows
Close sliding glass doors into the center of the house (DON’T lock them)
Remove lace, nylon, or light material drapes and curtains
Place a ladder against the roof of the house on the side opposite the approaching fire
Fill bathtubs, sinks, and containers with water
Soak burlap sacks, small rugs, or large rags in containers
Turn on exterior lights
Lock doors and windows
If instructed, tie large white cloth to front door knob
Don’t tie up telephone lines (notify friends and relatives by e-mail where to contact you)
Make safety equipment obvious for firefighters (spigots, ladders, chain saws, hoses, etc.)
Plug air vents and openings that are close to the ground
Prepare an "information note" to leave on the door detailing who you are, where you have gone, where flammables are (such as lawnmower gas, ammo, chemicals - move them all into one place)

WHAT TO DO NOW TO PREPARE

Keep evacuation vehicle gas tank full
Practice family fire drill and evacuation plans
Practice STOP, DROP, and ROLL (should clothes catch on fire)
Prepare a list of valuables to take with you (store together, if possible)
Make a video of all belongings, talking about each
Take still pictures of all belongings as a backup
Document an annotated list of all belongings
Develop outdoor water supply with hoses to reach entire house, nozzle, and pump
Have fire tools, ladder, and fire extinguishers available
Post name/address signs clearly visible from street or road
Post load limits on access bridges
Clear driveway to at least 20 feet wide with 15 feet vertical clearance (for emergency vehicles)
Clear weeds and cut grass within 10 feet of structures, propane tanks, utility boxes
Clear debris from roof and gutters
Clear vegetation from within 3 feet of hydrants
Remove trees growing through porch, deck, or roof
Remove trash and debris accumulations
Remove branches that overhang within 15 feet of roof and chimney
Stack firewood uphill or on a contour at least 30 feet away from house
Thin and prune your trees and brush
Install smoke detectors and test quarterly
Install only non-combustible roof material
Install shutters, fire curtains, or heavy drapes on windows
Install screens on foundation and eave vents
Install enclosed sides on stilt foundations and decks
Install chimney screen or spark arrestor