When you receive a reverse 911 call to prepare to evacuate your home because of an approaching wildfire, you may not have the presence of mind to gather essential items or, time permitting, do things to help protect your home in the event a mandatory evacuation is ordered.

Preparedness is the best disaster defense. Take the time now to discuss an evacuation plan with your family; gather and stow emergency supplies in a duffle bag; and collect and store important documents in a portable fireproof, watertight box near your emergency supply bag. If the need arises, you can grab these items and go.

If you receive an initial alert to prepare for evacuation:

• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of your evacuation route.

• Leave the keys in the ignition, the windows closed and doors unlocked.

• Close the garage doors and windows, but leave them unlocked.

• Disconnect automatic garage door opener and any electric gates.

• Tune in to local radio station and listen for updated reports.

Prepare to evacuate people and pets by giving an evacuation checklist to family members to collect the most critical items such as: medications, evacuation/emergency supplies, important documents, pets, change of clothing and toiletries, irreplaceable items, cell phone and charger, evacuation plan, and map.

Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, pants and long-sleeved shirt made of cotton (rayon and polyester will melt), and thick leather gloves. Tie a bandana over your face to keep from breathing ash.

If you're sure you have time, Cal Fire recommends homeowners take these steps to protect their homes:

• Close all doors and windows (including pet doors and skylights), but do not lock them

• Close non-flammable window coverings

• Open or remove drapes and curtains

• Move upholstered furniture away from windows and sliding glass doors

• Turn on interior and exterior lights to increase visibility in heavy smoke

• Turn off air conditioning/air circulating systems

• Bring combustible patio furnishings inside, away from windows and sliding glass doors

• Connect gardening hoses to outside faucets and attach nozzles set on "spray"

San Diego Gas & Electric encourages customers not to turn off gas unless they smell or hear a gas leak. Where homes are destroyed, crews will go into neighborhoods to turn off gas to those locations.

If you receive a call to evacuate, leave immediately. The American Red Cross and the U.S. Fire Administration recommend locking your home; however, Cal Fire and the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggest leaving doors unlocked in case firefighters need access.

Tell someone when you are leaving, where you are going, and how to contact you. Drive away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of smoke and fire.

According to the American Red Cross, a basic emergency supply kit should include:

• Three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food;

• battery-powered or hand crank radio, flashlight, and extra batteries;

• first aid kit including prescription medication and eyeglasses;

• dust mask;

• plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place;

• ABC-type fire extinguisher;

• sanitation supplies and toiletries;

• can opener if your kit includes canned food;

• local maps;

• one change of clothing and footwear per person and one sleeping bag or blanket per person;

• any special items for infant, elderly or disabled family member;

Important documents -- include originals or copies of the following:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates; passport, drivers license, Social Security card;

• IRS records: last year and current year;

• Wills, trust documents, healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and medical records;

• Property deed, titles to cars and recreational vehicles;

• Negotiable securities and jewelry;

• Loan documents and appraisals;

• Copies of homeowners or rental insurance policy including your home inventory of items, photos or video of items, serial/ID numbers and any receipts;

• Address book; list of account numbers, passwords, access codes and PIN numbers;

• Cash, credit cards, checkbook, traveler's checks: split up among the adults so if you're driving two cars and you are separated, you won't be stranded;

• A photo of each family member; a photo of you with your pets to prove ownership and to assist with reunification if you get separated.

In the event of an evacuation, your pet's best protection is being with you. Evacuation shelters generally do not accept animals for public health and safety reasons, so make arrangements for a friend or relative to care for your pet ahead of time if possible.

If you must leave pets at home:

• Secure pets in one room;

• Place cats or other small animals in carriers, and dogs in crates;

• Put their ID tags and collars on them;

• Assemble medication, leashes, treats, toys and bedding;

• An emergency kit for your pet should include: medication, one-week supply of dry food (stored in an air tight, waterproof container) and water; food and water bowls; health and vaccination records; cat litter, newspapers, plastic bags, towels or other items for sanitation needs; and care and feeding instructions.

A word about irreplaceable items: Insurance policies will cover the loss of electronics, so leave the flat-screen TV, but think carefully -- you may be gone for a few days or lose everything you own. Irreplaceable items include photos, jewelry, family heirlooms, collectibles, original artwork, mementos, and computer files. Let children choose their favorite possessions.

Resources:

The primary emergency alert system for San Diego County is KOGO AM 600. The secondary station is KLSD AM 1360.

To download a family disaster plan and personal survivor guide, go to: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/community/be_prepared/preparedness/families.

Additional information about disaster preparedness for seniors, children, people with disabilities, and pet owners is available on the American Red Cross Web site: http://www.prepare.org/basic/basic.htm.

Learn how to create a defensible space around your home at:

http://www.fire.ca.gov/education_content/downloads/BeforeDuringAfter.pdf.