Key issues include getting emergency alerts, knowing evacuation routes, and having shelter and communication plans

Evacuations are common for wildfires in Santa Barbara County and elsewhere, but the last two months have been unprecedented in terms of the size and length of mandatory evacuation zones for the Thomas Fire and Montecito mud and debris flows.

FEMA’s ready.gov, Southern California’s Ready! Set! Go! program and Santa Barbara County’s Aware & Prepare initiative all have one message: Be ready for disaster before it happens.

Prepare a “go bag” if you have to evacuate on foot (with water, food, important documents and other essentials), and an emergency supply kit for your home, workplace and vehicle.

Click here for more information on recommended items for disaster supply kits.

Before disaster strikes, develop a family/household communication and re-unification plan so you can maintain contact with friends and family and find each other if separated.

Residents can sign up for Aware & Prepare here and for Nixle here or by texting your zip code to 888777.

To read more of Giana Magnoli, Noozhawk Managing Editor;s article, please click here.