Shelter in Place Plan

What a Wildfire Evacuation Order Means

Evacuation alert, order and rescind explained, what to do at each stage, and how terms differ by place.

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If you are under an evacuation order, leave now. Reading can wait.

Words differ by place. Check what your local government uses, before fire season.

British Columbia

Term Meaning What to do
Evacuation Alert Be ready to leave on short notice Pack, fuel up, move items, get ready
Evacuation Order You are at risk and must leave immediately Go. Do not stay behind
Rescind The threat to life and safety has passed Return when allowed, and stay informed

Elsewhere in Canada, local and provincial authorities issue the orders. Canada.ca advises following official instructions and staying out of the zone until authorities confirm it is safe.

United States

Terms and systems vary by state and county. California’s guide uses “warning” and “order”, and says police enforce evacuation orders. CAL FIRE says not to wait for a mandatory order if you feel at risk. The Red Cross says if ordered to evacuate, leave immediately.

During an alert or warning

  1. Bring grab-and-go bags, documents and sentimental items to the door or vehicle.
  2. Fuel the vehicle and park it facing out.
  3. Move outdoor furniture and mats inside, take down flammable curtains, connect garden hoses and fill large containers with water.
  4. Make your house number visible, and disconnect automatic garage door openers.
  5. Keep following your local alerts.

When an order comes

  1. Leave immediately, on the route officials give you.
  2. Close doors and windows. Turn on interior and exterior lights so firefighters can see your home in smoke.
  3. Follow local direction on gas and on whether to leave doors unlocked. Agencies differ. See shutting off utilities.
  4. If you need help to leave, tell the person delivering the order. In a home, put up a HELP sign.

In BC: supports

Register with Emergency Support Services at a designated reception centre. You can set up a profile ahead of time at ess.gov.bc.ca.

After

Return only when authorities say so. Expect hazards such as hot spots, debris and damaged utilities. Do not turn your own gas back on.

Checklist

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Where to buy

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  • Waterproof pouch for document copies

    SentrySafe: SentrySafe Fire and Water Resistant Portable Bag with Zipper, FBWLZ0SSC

    A zippered bag sold as fire and water resistant, for keeping IDs, insurance papers and a paper medication list together.

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  • Battery or hand-crank radio, with NOAA Weather Radio

    Midland: Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather AM/FM Radio

    Runs from multiple power sources including a hand crank, and receives NOAA weather channels with alert.

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  • Battery or hand-crank radio, with NOAA Weather Radio

    Kaito: Kaito KA500 5-Way Powered Emergency AM/FM/SW Weather Alert Radio

    Has solar, hand-crank and other power options plus a flashlight and reading lamp.

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  • First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes and gloves

    First Aid Only: First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit

    A soft-sided kit with a broad mix of common supplies for home use; check contents and replace used items.

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  • First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes and gloves

    Adventure Medical Kits: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit

    Sized by the maker for 2 people for 2 days and includes a guide book for when you can't get information online.

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Sources

Updated November 9, 2026