Evacuation
In Case of Wildfire
- Initiate your emergency and wildfire plans.
- Find out if you are under a potential evacuation order.
- Prepare to evacuate:
- Get vehicles out of the garage and pointed toward your escape route.
- Load vehicles with your emergency kit and other items that may be difficult or impossible to replace (legal records, family photos, computer equipment, etc.).
- Turn on and leave on an inside and outside light so firefighters can find your house in the dark.
- Turn off the valve at your propane tank.
- If time allows:
- Call or email the emergency contacts in your Emergency Plan. Tell them when you left and where you are going.
- Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
- Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions, small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding.
- Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat for protection.
- Close and lock all doors and windows.
- Check with neighbors who may need assistance or a ride.
- Take a chain saw and extra fuel when you evacuate to clear any potential trees blocking your route.
- Evacuate:
- Don’t wait until the last minute, especially if escape options are limited.
- Go to your safe, prearranged meeting place.
Plan for Evacuation
Know routes out of and safe places in the valley. Keep Forest Service maps in vehicles.
Keep car gas tanks at least half full at all times.
Know your neighbors, especially the aged, disabled, and those with special needs. Set up a buddy system wherein you check on each other.
In winter keep boots, hats, gloves, warm coats, and emergency kits in vehicles.
The Trout Lake Emergency Handbook is a project of the Trout Lake Community Council, produced and published by TroutLake.org.