Evacuating a wildfire area can be scary, but experts say people can significantly improve their own safety with a little preparation and situational awareness.
What to do — and not do — when you get home after a fire evacuation
Even after evacuation orders are lifted, there are still precautions you should take to keep yourself safe.
California fire evacuations: How to prepare, what to pack and what to do if you're trapped
If you’ve been told to evacuate, officials advise you do so immediately — don’t wait.
Cheat sheet: A short guide to giving your home a fighting chance if you need to evacuate
If you’ve been ordered to leave because of fire, here’s some CalFire tips for protecting your property and making it easier for firefighters.
Every day is now fire season. Let's get you ready for the next wildfire burning near you
We all need to be concerned — and prepared.
Offices of Emergency Management
While individual preparedness is vital, no one can prepare alone. Just as Ready Houston urges everyone to Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Stay Informed, and Know Your Neighbors, we would like to introduce you to our neighbors and partners in regional preparedness.
Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
Not all emergency agencies use the same language. Here’s your rundown on how evacuation orders work
Local Officials Don’t Always Send IPAWS Emergency Alerts Before Disasters — ProPublica
ProPublica has identified at least 15 major disasters since 2016 in which officials in the most-harmed communities failed to use a federal system to send emergency alerts to residents — or waited until it was too late.
I had to evacuate my home, what do I do next?
Finding shelter for yourself and animals, plus emergency numbers and tips.
Cheat sheet: Your very short guide to getting packed up right now to evacuate
If time is short, here's how to get ready to fast. In case of emergency, however, remember that belongings can be replaced, lives cannot.
Lessons From Hurricane Helene on Evacuation Orders, Messaging and Emergency Managers — ProPublica
After four months of reporting, ProPublica found that the warnings about Helene were eerily accurate. Yet, local residents remained largely unaware of the enormity of danger approaching as the storm closed in.
Cheat sheet: A quick roundup of SoCal fire coverage and safety resources
The basics on active fires and your one-stop shop for resources.
Build A Kit | Ready.gov
These resources teach you to build an emergency kit filled with the items you need to survive on your own for several days after a disaster. After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
It's Safer in the Front
Faced with intensifying repression and state violence, there is an understandable inclination to seek safety by avoiding confrontation. But this is not always the most effective strategy.
No Abandonment, No Bunkers: Preparing for Disaster Together
“Preparedness isn’t just about having stuff,” says Kelly Hayes.
Disaster preparedness in the US
Starting with some articles I saved during/after the January 2025 wildfires in Southern California
Cheat Sheet: These are the steps fire victims need to take to make an insurance claim
What to do — and not do — when you get home after a fire evacuation
High winds and fires mean power outages. Here's how to prep
Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
Every day is now fire season. Let's get you ready for the next wildfire burning near you
Cheat sheet: A quick roundup of SoCal fire coverage and safety resources