Emergency Information

​Emergency Evacuation Preparedness

Wildfires can lead to emergency evacuations and it’s important to follow your local officials when evacuations are ordered. 

Prepare for Wildfire Threats

• ​If you’re looking for current evacuation information, monitor local news outlets (television, radio, etc.) as well as official social media sites for emergency responders (sheriff, police, fire).
• Be sure to follow the directions of safety personnel to ensure your safety and the safety of first responders. If you are ordered to evacuate your home or the area, do so immediately. Time is crucial!​

Here are the “​​P’s of Preparedness” to help you organize your ​evacuations efforts:

• People
• Pets
• Papers (important documents)
• Phone numbers or phones
• Prescriptions (medications and glasses)
  
• Pictures (and other mementos)
• PCs (for the info stored on them)
• Plastic (credit cards, cash)​
  

Resources for Preparedness

• For tips on how to build an emergency Go-Kit, visit the Ready.gov Build A Kit page
• Visit Ready.gov for a wildfire preparedness checklist
  
• More information on wildfire preparedness and safety, visit CalFire​ (re​adyforwildfire.org)
  
  

Protect Yourself During a Wildfire

When a wildfire is threatening your area, follow these guidelines:

• Monitor local area radio or television states for the latest wildfire information.
• Be prepared to evacuate on a moment’s notice.
  
• Make sure you have an emergency kit, complete with medications, copies of prescriptions and medical supplies.
  
• Locate nearby shelters, including ones that take pets.
• Arrange to stay with family or friends outside the threatened area.
  

Health Risks from Wildfire Smoke

​Wildfire smoke contains air pollutants like particulate matters, carbon monoxide, and ozone, which can cause respiratory issues.

High Risk Groups:

• Elderly individuals
  
• Pregnant People
• People with chronic respiratory or heart conditions
• Children (due to developing lungs and higher air intake per body weight)​
  
  

​​Protect Yourself From Viruses in Shelters

Being in crowded spaces like shelters and evacuation centers can increase your chance of getting sick with a respiratory virus such as COVID-19, flu and RSV and other communicable illnesses, like norovirus.

Follow these tips to protect yourself: 

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (note: hand sanitizer doesn’t work on norovirus).
• Wear a high-quality, well-fitted mask like an N95, especially if feeling unwell or in close contact with others.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue. Make sure to throw away your tissue and wash your hands after.
• Avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms of illness.​

For more guidance, visit the respiratory virus prevention page​ and norovirus page​.

Additional Resources and Information

• ​​​​American Red Cross
• ​​​Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• ​​​​​​California Wildfires Statewide Recovery Resources​​
• ​​​​Listos California Disaster Ready Guide​ (available in 12 languages)
• ​​​Listos California Wildfire Safety & Smoke Guide (available in 12 languages​​
• Preventing​ Work-​​Related Valley Fever​​
• ​Lithium-Ion Batteries After Wildfire​

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

The wildfires and power outages may affect families enrolled in CDPH’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Participants should call their WIC clinic or (800) 852-5770 before visiting to confirm service availability until further notice. Information is also available at MyFamily – California Women, Infants & Children Program.