With extreme fire weather expected beginning at 8:00 p.m. on October 18, you should prepare to evacuate

If you live in Fire Zone 2 or 3 (the Berkeley Hills), the Berkeley Fire Department recommends that you leave before extreme fire weather conditions occur and until those conditions subside.

Consider going to friends, family or hotels until the dangerous weather subsides. The city has coordinated with five hotels in Berkeley to offer discounted rates under these conditions.

Forest fires can break out, spread and change direction quickly, especially in strong winds. Fallen branches and trees can block roads. The best way to maintain control and reduce risk to your household is to evacuate the home before a fire breaks out. This is particularly true for residents who would have difficulty getting out quickly or on foot.

The narrow, winding road network in the Berkeley Hills can quickly become crowded. The more people leave the area in advance, the more space remains on the roads in case an evacuation is necessary.

Because fires are unpredictable, we cannot announce safe evacuation locations until a fire breaks out and we know which areas are at risk. Make a plan in advance to get out of the mountains and have phones and radios ready for directions on where to go. We will send instructions via AC Alert and broadcast at 4:10 p.m.

Berkeley residents, and especially mountain residents, should always be prepared to evacuate quickly if necessary:

• Have a bag for traveling

  During an evacuation, you may only have a few moments to leave. Everyone in your home needs a “go bag” with the items you need for a safe evacuation, including a flashlight, a map showing evacuation routes, a whistle to signal for help, cash, and copies of important documents. Make sure your travel bag is light enough to carry if you need to exit your vehicle and evacuate on foot. Use our wildfire evacuation checklist as a guide when packing your travel bag.

• Practice evacuation with your family

  Review your plan and practice your escape routes with your household. Take your travel bag with you when you practice. Regular practice ensures that everyone knows what to do in an emergency when action needs to be taken quickly.

• Stay alert during fire weather

  Always keep your phone with you during an alert. Put your duffel bags by the door and back in your driveway so you can get out quicker. Discuss your evacuation zone and evacuation plans with your household.

Download our evacuation checklist and keep it visible in your home.

The strongest winds – and greatest danger – will prevail overnight. Keep your phone on, adjust the volume, turn off the Do Not Disturb settings, and keep it nearby. Place your travel bags and shoes by the door and discuss evacuation plans with your family before bed.

If you feel threatened, leave immediately – do not wait for an evacuation order. Consider evacuating yourself if you see visible fire nearby or strong winds are carrying smoke or embers through your neighborhood.

Leaving early gives you the most control over how you get down the mountain and what you can bring with you. If you leave after a fire breaks out, you may not be able to get out in your car and therefore need to be prepared to evacuate on foot.