KNOW WHEN TO GO (pt. 2)
When disaster strikes, especially during California’s wildfires, words can save lives. But only if we understand them.
You’ve likely heard the terms “Evacuation Warning”, “Evacuation Order”, or even “Shelter in Place” used during wildfire season. Maybe you’ve seen them on social media, heard them on the radio, or received a late-night emergency alert. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly, how should you respond?
These aren’t just blanket warnings used to spook you. They are terms put into place and standardized by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) with public safety at the forefront.
In the aftermath of California’s catastrophic 2017 and 2018 wildfires, it became clear that terms were being used inconsistently across counties and cities, which ended up confusing and sometimes delaying the public evacuating. One county might call something an "advisory," while another uses a "mandatory order" for the same level of threat. People weren’t sure what to do or when to do it.
That’s why California adopted Standard Statewide Evacuation Terminology as a way to coordinate communication consistently, clearly, and most importantly, a way to save lives when it matters most.
In plain terms, if you hear “Evacuation Order”, that means go now. Not in an hour. Not after you pack a few more things. The danger is immediate, and staying could mean you may not get another chance to leave. At this point, the roads may be backed up, flames may be crossing roads, and emergency crews shift their focus from fighting fire to saving lives.
An “Evacuation Warning” means the threat is nearby, but very real. This is your safest opportunity to leave on your terms before things get worse, especially for households with kids, pets, livestock, disabilities, or mobility challenges. Do not wait.
Sometimes, you may hear or see “Shelter in Place”. This means you should stay indoors, lock up, and prepare to sit tight until officials say it’s safe to move. This type of order is given for emergencies like thunderstorms, earthquakes, or flash flooding.
Other terms you may come across include:
Hard Closure - absolutely no one’s getting through except first responders
Soft Closures - allow critical infrastructure crews through
Resident Only Closures - make way for people returning to assess their homes once it’s safe
Too often, people delay evacuation because they don’t know where to go, they don’t believe the fire will reach them, or they simply don’t want to leave their home behind. Adding to that are language barriers, limited access to transportation, and road conditions. Situations can get dangerous very quickly.
That’s why having a plan before the alert comes through is crucial, and we recommend every household create a simple, “5-minute evacuation plan” and have a “Go Bag” ready at all times, because you never know when disaster may strike. And yes, make sure your plan includes what to do with pets.
We know that wildfires are getting faster and more destructive. What hasn’t changed is this: your best chance at survival is being ready to leave before the flames are close enough to see.
Learn more by exploring our Firefighters On Your Side website. Resources are available to you, such as building a go bag, creating an evacuation plan, and protecting your loved ones.
When every second counts, knowing what the words mean and acting on them can save your life.
SIGN UP FOR CALIFORNIA’S EMERGENCY ALERTS SYSTEM:
Each County in California has an alert program that you can sign up for to receive alerts if an emergency situation were to arise in your county. The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WAEs) are used to send concise, text-like messages to WEA-capable mobile devices during emergency situations.
Visit calalerts.org to sign up for alerts in your county.