Everyone living in a wooded area should have an evacuation plan. It should be discussed periodically, and parts of it should be even be rehearsed. An evacuation plan is more than a description of how to get out of the house. 

Everyone living in a wooded area should have an evacuation plan. It should be discussed periodically, and parts of it should even be rehearsed.

An evacuation plan is more than a description of how to get out of the house. 

A complete plan includes:

• An escape route. 
• A family meeting place. 
• Instructions for children. 
• Steps to make your house as fireproof as possible. 
• Plans for a fast getaway. 
• Provisions for pets.

Generally, a family forced by wildfire to evacuate will do so together, so the escape route will be the same for all. It is important to establish a meeting place in case all family members are not home when the evacuation takes place.

Children who are home alone should have firm instructions to leave the home at the first threat of danger. They should report to the prearranged meeting place and stay there until they hear from you. Should they encounter a threatening situation upon arriving home, their instructions should be to go directly to the meeting place.

Depending on how much time you have before an approaching wildfire could likely reach your vicinity, here are some things you can do to help fireproof your home, ensure a fast getaway, and take care of pets: