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
- Sign up for emergency alerts at Sacramento-Alert.org
- Tune in to local radio and news stations
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.