Wildfire season is off to an early and intense start in Oregon this year, with more than 20,000 acres already burned and dozens of homes lost, mostly east of the Cascades.

As fires are expected to grow more frequent and severe throughout the summer, it’s more important than ever for Oregonians — especially those living in rural or forested areas — to have a solid evacuation plan in place.

Being prepared can save lives, reduce panic, and help you and your loved ones act quickly and safely when time is critical.

Here are some essential tips to help you get ready in case an evacuation becomes necessary.

Stay informed

Oregon’s dry summers, thick forests and gusty winds create prime conditions for fast-moving wildfires. Start by understanding the risks in your area:

• Know your local risk: Follow your local sheriff’s office, fire department, and city or county social media pages to stay up to date on fire danger in your area.
• Sign up for alerts: Go to ORAlert.gov to register for emergency alerts based on your location. Also, make sure wireless emergency alerts are turned on in your phone’s settings.
• Monitor current conditions: Check your county’s emergency management site and TripCheck.com for road closures and evacuation updates.

Sign up for emergency alerts at https://t.co/cQSinwbiqi and keep your phone charged and nearby.

Early warnings save lives. Be ready to act when it matters most.

Learn more at https://t.co/4CnIOkseCF.#ORAlert #WildfireSeason #Be2WeeksReady #OregonPrepared pic.twitter.com/JsuzZG9CWF

— OregonOEM (@OregonOEM) June 20, 2025

Make an evacuation plan

Having a plan in place ensures you know what to do and where to go when wildfire danger is near.

Visit Ready.gov/plan to build a personalized emergency plan for your family. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management also offers a wildfire evacuation checklist at wildfire.oregon.gov/prepare.

Your plan should include:

• Escape routes: Use TripCheck.com to map out several different ways to get out of your neighborhood from home, work, or school. Practice these routes with your family.
• Meeting place: Choose a safe location outside the danger zone where your family can reunite if separated. Share the location and directions with everyone.
• Plan for pets and livestock: Pack food, water, leashes, and any medications or records for pets. Make arrangements for transporting large animals and know where they can safely stay.

Prepare a ‘go bag’

A “go bag” is a grab-and-go emergency kit filled with the essentials. Each member of your family should have their own, ready to take at a moment’s notice.

A go bag can include:

• Non-perishable food and water.
• Important documents such as identifications and insurance.
• Medications and first-aid kit.
• Flashlights, batteries and phone chargers.
• N95 masks for smoke protection.
• Extra clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Cash.

For a full list of recommended supplies, check out Ready.gov/kit or the American Red Cross website.

Understand evacuation levels

Oregon uses a three-level evacuation warning system. Here’s what each level means:

• Level 1 — Be Ready: Stay alert, pack your go bag, check emergency contacts, and ensure those in vulnerable situations are ready to evacuate.
• Level 2 — Be Set: Conditions are getting worse. If you can leave now — especially if you need extra time or help — do so.
• Level 3 — Go Now: This means extreme danger is present. Don’t wait. Leave immediately. There’s no time to gather belongings. Check TripCheck.com or call 511 to find safe routes.

Know Your Evacuation Levels 🚨

When wildfire strikes, every second counts. Be ready to act by understanding Oregon’s evacuation levels:

🔴 Level 3 – GO NOW
🟡 Level 2 – BE SET
🟢 Level 1 – BE READY pic.twitter.com/D0vDL6VYi0

— OregonOEM (@OregonOEM) May 27, 2025

After evacuating, don’t return home until local authorities say it’s safe.

You can find more wildfire preparedness resources at wildfire.oregon.gov or by visiting the Oregon Department of Emergency Management at oregon.gov/oem.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/06/29/how-to-create-evacuation-plan-oregon-wildfire-danger-rising/