Woodside FPD, CA
Home MenuEvacuation
When wildfire threatens, every second counts. The best time to prepare is before an emergency occurs. Follow the CAL FIRE Ready, Set, Go! approach: be Ready by hardening your home and creating defensible space, get Set by preparing your family and Go Bag, and be prepared to Go early when wildfire strikes — don't wait for a mandatory order.
Know Your Zone — Genasys Protect
San Mateo County uses Genasys Protect (formerly Zonehaven) to communicate evacuation zone information during emergencies. Knowing your zone before a disaster strikes is critical — it helps you act quickly and reduces confusion when minutes matter.
|
Find Your Evacuation Zone
Visit the WFPD Genasys Protect page to look up your zone and learn how to monitor zone status during an incident.
|
Download the Genasys Protect App
Get zone notifications pushed directly to your phone. Set alerts for your zone and any zones you want to monitor.
|
If You Have Time Before Evacuating
If conditions allow, take these steps before leaving to give your home the best chance of surviving the fire.
| Inside the House | Outside the House | |
|
|
Evacuation Steps
| 1 | Review your evacuation plan. Know your evacuation route, where to meet family members, and where you will go. Don't rely on memory in an emergency — have it written down. |
| 2 | Monitor updates. Follow local news, check Genasys Protect for your zone status, and watch for SMC Alert notifications. If you feel at risk, don't wait for an official order. |
| 3 | Put your Go Bag in the car. Your Go Bag should already contain water, food, a first aid kit, medications, copies of important documents, chargers, and cash. |
| 4 | Dress for protection. Wear long pants, long sleeves (100% cotton or wool is best), sturdy shoes, and gloves. This helps protect against heat, sparks, and debris. |
| 5 | Load your animals and go. Get pets and livestock loaded and moving early — animal evacuation takes more time than you expect. See animal guidelines below. |
| 6 | Leave early. Leaving before a mandatory order is safer for you and keeps roads clear for firefighters and others who need more time. In a fast-moving wildfire, there may be no time for door-to-door warnings. |
Power Outages During Wildfire
Power outages are common during wildfires, including planned Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Be prepared:
- Know how to open your garage door or gate manually without power
- Keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle at all times during fire season
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food
- Use a battery-powered radio or your phone for updates — know your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) stations
- Stay at least 10 feet from downed power lines — never touch them
- If using a generator, follow all safety guidelines — improper use can cause electrocution or carbon monoxide poisoning
San Mateo County EAS radio stations include: KCBS 740 AM / 106.9 FM, KQED 88.5 FM, KHMB 100.9 FM (Half Moon Bay), KPDO 89.3 FM (Pescadero), KCEA 89.1 FM (Atherton), and KCSM 91.1 FM. Portola Valley residents can also tune to 1680 AM for local emergency information broadcasts.
Animal Evacuation
|
Pets & Small Animals
|
Large Animals & Livestock
|
Animal Emergency Supply Kit
|
If You Are Trapped
|
In Your Vehicle
|
On Foot
|
At Home
|
Resources & Downloads
Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents. They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.
Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.
