Wildfire evacuation tips for home, car owners

With fire season already started, it is a good time to make or review evacuation plans.

Homeowners should not delay obeying an evacuation order to pack items in their car. If they have time prior to an order, however, and because they may be out of their home for a few days, they can pack the following emergency items in their vehicles now:

• State and local maps

• Cell phone car charger

• Fully equipped first aid kit

• First aid manual

• Prescription medicine

• Bottled water

• Nonperishable foods

• Extra clothes and shoes

• Tissues, pre-moistened towels and toiletries

• Blanket or sleeping bag

• Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb

• Pocket radio and extra batteries

• Small tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, wire, pocket knife, can opener, duct tape)

For up-to-date information on state highway closures, visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi or call (800) 427-7623.

For the most recent information about emergency shelters, water or food, call (800) 733-2767 or visit http://www.sdarc.org.

Information provided by the Automobile Club of Southern California.