On average, there are more than 5,600 wildfires each year in California. The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services reminds residents that a disaster can strike at any time. Being prepared before a natural disaster can help you and your family stay safe and evacuate quickly. Below are some helpful tips to get you started.
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Know Your Evacuation Zone
- Download your evacuation zone map at SacramentoReady.org
- Study your evacuation route and share it with household members
Make a Plan
- Discuss an evacuation plan with everyone in your household
- Plan two escape routes out of your home and your neighborhood by foot and by car
- Know where you'll meet family members outside the danger zone
- Ensure each person knows where the fire extinguisher is located and how to use it
- Download and print the American Red Cross Wildfire Safety Checklist at redcross.org
Pack a Go Bag
- Food and water
- Important documents
- Medication
- Phone charger
- Pet supplies
- Change of clothes
Help Friends and Neighbors
- Check on friends, neighbors and loved ones who may need additional assistance during an emergency
Protect Your Home & Belongs
- Purchase homeowners or renters insurance
- Take a video inventory of your belongings including serial numbers of valuable items
- Maintain your property to create a “defensible space" around your home and reduce the risk of spreading wildfire to your home
- Treat your home with UL-approved-fire retardant chemicals and install fire resistant materials to your exterior
- Install smoke detectors in your home
To learn more about emergency preparedness before a wildfire, visit SacramentoReady.org and ready.org/wildfires.