Here is a checklist of what to do before you leave under a mandatory evacuation.
Inside the house
- Pack your ‘Go Bag’ or Emergency Kit
- Create or update your Wildfire Action Plan
- Know your community’s emergency plan, evacuation routes, and destinations
- Close all windows and doors but leave them unlocked
- Take down flammable window treatments like shades and curtains, and close metal shutters
- Clear away light curtains
- Move anything that burns easily to the middle of rooms, away from windows and doors
- Turn off the gas at the meter and pilot lights (instructions below)
- Leave lights on for firefighters to see your house in smoke
- Switch off the air conditioning
Outside the house
- Bring in flammable items from outside, like patio furniture, toys, doormats, and trash bins. Alternatively, place them in your pool if you have one.
- Shut off propane tanks
- Move grills and other propane BBQ appliances away from the house
- Attach garden hoses to outside taps for firefighter use and fill buckets with water to scatter around
- Don’t leave sprinklers or water running as it can lower critical water pressure.
- Keep exterior lights on to make your home visible in smoky or dark conditions.
- Put your emergency kit in your car
- Park your car in the driveway, facing outwards, loaded and ready, with all doors and windows shut
- Have a ladder handy for firefighter roof access
- Seal attic and ground vents with plywood or commercial seals
- Keep an eye on the fire situation and don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel at risk
- Check with neighbors to ensure they’re also prepared
Animals
- Keep pets close and ready to go
- Plan for farm animal evacuation early, arranging transport to safe locations
How to Shut Off Your Gas
If a mandatory evacuation is ordered and time allows, please turn off your gas line (but not your water). The following videos provide step by step instructions:
How to Turn Off Your Gas Meter – Video 1
How to Turn Off Your Gas Meter – Video 2
It is a good idea to keep a proper wrench or a gas-specific wrench next to your gas meter, stored in a plastic bag to prevent rust.
Important: Do not turn the gas back on yourself. Only SoCal Gas or a licensed professional should do this.