California wildfires: What should I take if I have to evacuate?

The 2024 California wildfire season has started, and if you live in an area where wildfires are a threat, now is the time to double-check how prepared you are if a fire is burning toward your neighborhood.

Don’t wait for an evacuation order or even a warning to start thinking about what you should take if you have to flee.

Here’s a checklist of important things to gather together and be ready to take. For more information, check out FireSafeMarin.org’s list and other tips on how to prepare for wildfires.

• Photographs of all family members.
• Food and water (for up to seven days, if possible).
• Pets (if advance warning, take to an approved shelter).
• Pet ID tags, medications, leashes and water bowls.
• Change of clothing for each person (for one to seven days).
• Cell phones and chargers. Laptop computer. External backup hard drives.
• Health and car insurance cards and related documents.
• Property deeds.
• Marriage license.
• Tax papers.
• Birth certificates.
• Drivers’ licenses.
• Checkbook, credit cards, cash, wallet, purse.
• Prescription and other medications.
• First-aid kit.
• Prescription eyewear, dentures, hearing aids.
• Jewelry.
• Irreplaceable keepsakes.
• Flashlights and a portable radio with extra batteries.