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Living in the Wildland Urban Interface or Intermix (WUI) carries a distinct possibility of wildfire and evacuation for your community. Hopefully you’ll never hear two-tone sirens and the words “Evacuate. Go now.” Minimizing stress caused by having to leave your home starts with being prepared. Now is a great time to assemble or refresh your emergency supply kits – your Go Bags.
CAL FIRE recommends to “put together your emergency supply kit long before a wildfire or other disaster occurs and keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate. Plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time. Each person should have a readily accessible emergency supply kit. Backpacks work great for storing these items (except food and water) and are quick to grab. Storing food and water in a tub or chest on wheels will make it easier to transport. Keep it light enough to be able to lift it into your car.”
The checklist for your primary Go Bag:
Store the food and water in a separate box, or an ice chest on wheels. Plan for:
Customize the primary kit according to your needs. Additional items could include:
The First Aid kit should include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest. Check the expiration dates regularly and replace any items that are expired or have been used.
The Red Cross recommends that first aid kits for a family of four include the following:
Weight is a issue, be sure you and your family members are able to grab the bag and carry it to a vehicle. Place the primary kit in an easily accessible location, close to an exit. Make sure your bag has a name tag with your phone number on it.
Check your Go Bags every 6 months and replace any outdated items – especially food – with fresh supplies.
It’s perfectly acceptable to have your Go Bag right next to the door and point to it when you have family, friends or neighbors come over. Encourage them to assemble their own kit!
Go Bag in your car
An emergency supply kit in your car should contain the same items as your primary kit, especially if you leave home every day. Add a few specific items to the car kit:
When you have to grab the go bag and leave your home, be aware that you might not return for days, or maybe your home will be damaged or destroyed. The heft of the bag in your hand is small consolation only, but your safety is more important than any “stuff.”
Pet and animal evacuation preparedness
Your emergency plan and preparedness includes everyone in your household and your pets – of course, they are part of the family.
Have your pet microchipped and keep the information up to date, especially your phone number. If possible, add contact info for an emergency contact outside your area.
Create a buddy system in case you’re not home and the area is being evacuated. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals. If you live in an apartment, make sure your pets are on record with management and they are able to be evacuated using the stairs. Teach dogs how to go up and down stairs.
Have crates and pet carriers easily accessible for rapid evacuation.
If you are evacuating to a family member or friend’s home, make sure they are able to accommodate your pets.
Talk to your veterinarian and find out if they offer temporary boarding for pets in case of emergency.
Pets are used to your routine, practicing often by putting them in their respective crates and carrying them to the car will diminish their anxiety levels at the sudden change in environment.
Cats have a tendency to hide when their routine is disrupted or their acute sense of smell warns them of a fire. If possible, put your cat(s) in the bathroom, it will be (somewhat) easier to crate them in a smaller space. Wrapping a cat in a towel or a pillow case if the feline is recalcitrant to enter the evac cage will result in fewer claw marks.
Dogs and their fine noses might try to escape an onslaught of smoke, keep them on a leash if you don’t crate them before loading them to the car. Dogs can also become more protective of you during an emergency. Remain calm, it will reduce both your stress level and theirs.
The Nevada County Veterinary Disaster Response Team sets up at the Nevada County Fairgrounds to provide shelter for animals during disasters. Their website provides information on disaster preparedness and the volunteers have taken care of hundreds of animals during fires, floods and other disasters. You can take your animals to the Fairgrounds or the team will meet you at a roadblock. Find out more here or on their Facebook page. Other counties have similar organizations, check with your local OES office.
*Rotate and replace these items to ensure they don’t expire
7-10 day supply of feed, supplements, and water Bandannas (to use as blindfolds) Batteries (flashlight, radio) Blankets Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership Duct tape Emergency contact list First aid kit Flashlight Fly spray Grooming brushes Heavy gloves (leather) Hoof knife Hoof nippers Hoof pick Hoof rasp Diet: record the diet for your animals. Medications: list each animal separately, and for each medication include the drug name, dose and frequency. Provide veterinary and pharmacy contact information for refills. Knife (sharp, all-purpose) Leg wraps and leg quilts Maps of local area and alternate evacuation routes in addition to GPS (in case of road closures) Non-nylon halters and leads (leather/cotton) Paper towels Plastic trash cans with lids (can be used to store water) Radio (solar, hand cranked and/or battery operated) Rope or lariat Shovel Tarpaulins Trash bags Twitch Water buckets Wire cutters
Download the “Saving the Whole Family” disaster preparedness list from the AVMA for more evacuation kits and plans for livestock, backyard poultry, reptiles and other small animals.
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to pets and livestock
Animals are equally, if not more, sensitive to smoke. When air quality advisories due to smoke are in effect, protect your pets and livestock. The easiest way to keep your pets safe is to keep them indoors.
If you are not in the immediate evacuation zone, put some water out for animals that may cross your property while trying to escape a wildfire. This is especially helpful when heavy smoke blankets the area.
If you evacuate, be prepared for wildlife crossing the road in an attempt to escape.
Next week we’ll go over vehicle preparation and neighborhood awareness!
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