After multiple years of fires in Sonoma County, most everyone in West County knows the stress of watching the sky, following the news, and even evacuating. The number one lesson? Prepare. Be ready.
Study after study shows that our cognitive capabilities decline under stress. Yep, our ability to think is reduced to survival skills and not critical thinking. So to reduce the stress of fire season (or any disaster), and to improve your chances of having fewer regrets, we highly recommend thinking about this ahead of time, taking action to prepare for a possible disaster, and then rest at ease knowing you already know what you will do, where things are, who you will contact, and where you will go.
One of the most important things, in order to be prepared, is for you and others in your household to know your evacuation zone! Please review the zones below and find your zone (put your ADDRESS into the evacuation map web page to find the exact route for where you live.), post it on your refrigerator, make a note of it on your phone so you can find it if you forget: https://socoemergency.org/get-ready/evacuation-map/
Three things Calfire recommends in order to be prepared
- Create your wildfire action plan
- Have an emergency supply kit
- Put together an emergency communication plan
Work out your plan now, so if an emergency happens you’re ready!
Being prepared means you have what you need for yourself, you and your housemates/family are all coordinated, and your local street or community has back plans to help each other in time of need. Click below to learn more about what you can do to be better prepared in each area.
We have prepared a quick and easy list of what to do in an evacuation depending on how much time you have. Print it and keep it handy. It will make your exit less stressful!
Your home and family
Making sure everyone in your household knows what to do and your home is secured.
- Stay informed
- Know your evacuation zone
- Be ready to go
- Creating a plan
- Ask questions now
- Pre-pick a meeting place
- Connecting your street
- Have backup
- Know your alternative exits
Apps for staying informed
The apps below are recommended for staying informed of local emergencies and fires that have the potential to lead to evacuations.
Nixle
Sign up to receive alerts from local agencies for relevant information from your local public safety departments and schools.
Watch Duty
Stay up-to-date on fires movement in Sonoma County with posts by experienced fire reporters.
Pulse Point
Notifications on your mobile device give you advance warnings on local threats to give you time to prepare before evacuation warnings.
The County of Sonoma Emergency Readiness, Response and Recovery website, SoCoEmergency.org, contains valuable and comprehensive resources for before, during, and after emergencies.
