Warning or order? The decision window that matters

A warning is your head start

An evacuation warning means you may have to leave soon. Use the time: gather medications, documents, chargers and what your pets need. Check on anyone who may need help, and make sure you know more than one way out. If leaving takes you longer, this may be the right time to go.

An order means go now

Once an evacuation order is issued, do not wait to see flames or finish one more chore. Leave as directed. Roads and shelters can change quickly, so follow the local agency handling the incident.

• Know where your county posts official alerts
• Keep your vehicle fueled or charged
• Do not make social media your only source
• Never drive around a closure or toward smoke to take a look

One important catch

A map may show ten evacuation zones, but that does not mean ten people—or ten neighborhoods. Pay attention to whether your zone is under a warning or an order, when it changed and exactly what the issuing agency says to do.