It is critical to review and update your family emergency plan on a yearly basis. The following are guidelines addressing various areas of your plan.
On Your Mobile Device:
On Your Mobile Device:
- Install the Watch Duty app for up-to-the-minute updates on wildfires and firefighting activities: https://www.watchduty.org/
- Check the latest evacuation routes: https://protect.genasys.com/
- Subscribe to local emergency notifications like Everbridge Nixle for timely alerts. https://www.everbridge.com/products/nixle/
- Get real-time weather warnings and alerts from the National Weather Services about local area weather and wildfire warnings by downloading the FEMA app.
- Activate Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) by navigating to your phone’s Settings > Notifications and ensuring government alerts are switched on.
- Charge your phone and spare battery source. During fire season, leave your phone next to your bed, plugged in, with the ringer on.
Preparing Your Home:
- Update your Go-bag with essential supplies.
- Identify the exact locations of gas, electricity, and water shut-offs in case you need to disconnect utilities.
- Establish a designated meeting spot for family members, especially if evacuating from separate locations without communication access.
Pet Preparedness:
- Plan ahead for pet safety—designate a place for them, especially for larger animals or livestock.
- Verify that microchip or collar details are up to date.
- Keep recent photos of your pet(s) on hand.
Communication & Contingency Plans:
- Assign a trusted contact in another city who is unlikely to experience the same wildfire threat. This person can help relay updates to all family members.
- If you have a FORT, ensure your FORT has been properly maintained so that it is ready for use in the unlikely event you and your family cannot evacuate.