The fires burning around Santa Clarita serve as a reminder of last year’s Buckweed and Ranch fires as well as the importance of being prepared in case evacuations are required.

Most importantly, if law enforcement or fire officials tell you to leave the area, leave immediately. They have a good reason for making this request.

Use well-traveled direct routes, don’t try short cuts because you could be traveling right into the path of disaster and delay your safe arrival. Be careful of downed power lines.

Of course, the most important thing is your safety and that of your family and pets. Make sure you have cages and leashes in an easy-to-reach area to help get your pets should you have to evacuate the area. If you have large animals, make sure you know where the animal evacuation centers are. If you have cats and dogs, have an alternative place for them to shelter if you have to go to a public evacuation center, as they are not set up to accommodate pets.

When you leave, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes so you can be protected as much as possible. Take your disaster supplies kit (*see below) and lock your home when you leave.

If you have only moments before leaving, The American Red Cross recommends you grab the following items and go:

• Medical supplies: prescription medications and dentures
• Disaster supplies: flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water
• Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
• Car and house keys, as well as keys to the place you may be going.

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If you have time before the fire forces you out, bring as much of your outdoor items inside that you can. Lawn furniture, trash cans, children’s toys, garden equipment, hanging plants and other objects that could become projectiles and damage property are much better off stored in the garage. Turn off propane gas service and be sure your tank is secure.

*Disaster supplies kit – this should be packed in a duffle bag and stored near your home’s exit.

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery powered radio with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications in their original bottles, plus copies of the prescriptions.
• Eyeglasses (with copy of prescription)
• Water (one gallon per person is recommended. Keeping a case of bottled water in your car is always a good idea)
• Foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking.
• Items that infants and elderly household member may require.
• Medical equipment and devices such as dentures, crutches, prostheses, etc.
• Change of clothes for each family member.
• Sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each family member.
• Checkbook, cash and credit cards

Papers to have with you: Driver’s license or personal identification, Social Security card, proof of residence (deed or lease), Insurance policies, birth and marriage certificates, stocks, bonds and other negotiable certificates, wills, deeds and copies of recent tax returns.