The three levels, in plain English
Most western states and many Canadian provinces use a three-level system, often phrased as Ready, Set, Go. Level 1 (Ready) means be aware of danger and start preparing: pack essentials, plan a route, and locate your people and pets. Level 2 (Set) means there is significant risk: be packed, be ready to leave at a moment's notice, and consider leaving now if you need extra time, have livestock, or have health concerns. Level 3 (Go) means leave immediately by the posted route. Do not stop to gather belongings.
Exact wording varies by county and province (some use Evacuation Alert and Evacuation Order), but the structure is nearly universal: prepare, stage, leave.
Who issues evacuations and how you will hear
Evacuation orders come from local authorities, usually the county sheriff or emergency management office, not from federal agencies or websites like this one. They are distributed through Wireless Emergency Alerts to phones in the affected area, local emergency notification systems you can register for, door-to-door contact, and local media.
Sign up for your county or municipality's official alert system now, before you need it. It is the single most reliable channel, and registration takes minutes.
Why early beats fast
The deadliest wildfires in modern history, including the 2018 Camp Fire, trapped people in evacuation traffic on burning roads. Fires driven by wind can move faster than bumper-to-bumper traffic, and smoke can drop visibility to near zero.
If you feel unsafe at Level 1 or 2, leave. You do not need permission to evacuate early, and doing so keeps roads clearer for those who must leave later. Fuel up your vehicle when a fire threatens; gas stations lose power during emergencies.
Frequently asked questions
Your county sheriff or local emergency management office publishes them, and they push through Wireless Emergency Alerts. This site surfaces evacuation-related NWS statements in near-me reports, but always follow local authorities directly.
Ready.gov recommends water, medications, copies of key documents, chargers, cash, sturdy shoes, N95 masks, and supplies for kids and pets. Keep it somewhere you can grab in under a minute.
Official sources
This guide summarizes the following government publications. Read them for full detail.
Keep learning
Ready to put it to use? Check the live wildfire map or get an instant risk report for your address with the search on the homepage.