Publisher’s note: This is the third of three articles from the Amador-El Dorado Unit of CalFire regarding the “Ready-Set-Go!” fire and life safety campaign.

By Teri Mizuhara

CAMINO – “Leave your home before you are ordered to evacuate. You will not only be giving your family the best chance of surviving a wildfire, but you will also be helping emergency service vehicles by keeping the roads clear. Plan today and have at least two escape routes out of your neighborhood. Drive them in the day and night so you are comfortable with the routes. You don’t want to guess how to get out of your neighborhood when heavy smoke and flames are surrounding you,” says CalFire’s Amador-El Dorado Unit Chief Kelly Keenan.

Preparation is the key to a smooth evacuation. Make sure your evacuation kits are prepared for every member of your family now in the event you have to evacuate later this summer. Your kit(s) should have enough supplies for a minimum of 72 hours (three days) without any outside assistance. Plan for a minimum of a gallon of water per day per person, non-perishable food, medications, clothes, toiletries, flashlights with spare batteries, radio, first aid kit, etc.

Don’t forget about your family pets, they too will need their own evacuation kits with water, food, cages, crates, collars-leashes, etc. You can find more information at our website, FEMA, and the Humane Society.

“Don’t forget to practice your evacuation drill. Everything you are planning on taking should fit in your smallest vehicle since you may not have your larger vehicle at home at the time of an emergency. Review your plans, phone lists, meeting areas and other important details with your family members. Post instructions and lists in a highly visible area of your house and never stay behind and hide, it is the quickest way to becoming a fire victim. Remember, disaster preparedness begins and ends with you. Thank you for planning to survive,” Keenan adds.

For more detailed information on what you have read, visit CalFire’s website or call (530) 644.2345 to receive a free brochure on the Ready-Set-Go program and evacuation tips for your family and pets.