Introduction

The devastating fires currently raging across Los Angeles have forced thousands to evacuate, leaving many to manage on their own. The chaos and unpredictability of disasters highlight a critical truth: having a solid evacuation plan can make all the difference.

At Sale Ranch, we know this firsthand. During the Fairview Fire in September 2022, our sanctuary faced an urgent evacuation. At the time, the fire had burned 7,000 acres with only 5% containment. By the time it was under control, it had scorched 28,098 acres. Thankfully, our evacuation plan helped us protect our animals, staff, and volunteers.

Disasters can strike anyone, anywhere, and yet many people put off creating an evacuation plan. Let’s explore five common misconceptions about evacuation planning and help you prepare to protect your family, pets, and farm animals when the unexpected happens.

Misconception 1: “It Won’t Happen to Me”

🚨 Reality: Disasters can happen to anyone, anywhere.

• Whether you live in a bustling city, quiet suburb, or rural area, no one is immune to emergencies.
• The Los Angeles fires, like the Fairview Fire, show how rapidly conditions can change and impact lives.

💡 Tip:  Research your area’s risks (e.g., wildfires, floods, or earthquakes) and develop a tailored evacuation plan now, not later.

Misconception 2: “I’ll Have Time to Gather My Things”

🚨 Reality: Fires and other disasters move fast—you may only have minutes to leave.

• During the Fairview Fire, we began implementing our evacuation protocols immediately. A delay could have been disastrous.
• Waiting to pack essentials under pressure often leads to panic and forgotten items.

💡 Tip:  Prepare a go-bag in advance with:

• Medications and medical records (for both people and pets).
• 12-24 hours of feed and water for pets or farm animals.
• Essential tools like rakes, buckets, and wheelbarrows.
• Personal documents (e.g., IDs, insurance, sentimental items).
• A pre-made list to refer to under stress.

Misconception 3: “Evacuation Plans Are Only for Rural Areas”

🚨 Reality: Urban and suburban areas face risks too.

• Fires, gas leaks, and flash floods can force city and suburban residents to evacuate just as quickly as those in rural areas.
• The Los Angeles fires have displaced entire neighborhoods, proving no area is immune.

💡 Tip:  No matter where you live:

1. Know your escape routes.
2. Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels in advance.
3. Keep your go-bag accessible and ready to grab.

Misconception 4: “I Don’t Have Pets or Farm Animals, So I Don’t Need a Plan”

🚨 Reality: Every household needs a plan, whether or not you have animals.

• However, if you do have pets or farm animals, the stakes are higher. Animals rely on you for their safety, and evacuating with them requires extra planning.

💡 Tip:  If you have animals:

• Prepare carriers, leashes, and comfort items.
• Keep vaccination records and your veterinarian’s contact info handy.
• Ensure you have enough feed, water, and tools to care for them during transport and evacuation.

Misconception 5: “I Can Handle It All Alone”

🚨 Reality: Evacuations are overwhelming, and having a support network can save lives.

• During the Fairview Fire, our evacuation plan included a team of volunteers and evacuation partners. They helped load and transport animals and provided safe locations for them.
• Relying solely on yourself can lead to unnecessary stress and mistakes under pressure.

💡 Tip:  Build a team to support your evacuation plan. This could include:

• Friends or family who can host you temporarily.
• Neighbors or volunteers who can help load and transport farm animals.
• A list of evacuation partners, such as local shelters or sanctuaries, that can provide temporary housing for animals.

How to Create Your Evacuation Plan

✅ Step 1: Assess your risks (wildfires, floods, earthquakes, etc.).
✅ Step 2: Pack a go-bag for each family member and pet with essentials for 12-24 hours.
✅ Step 3: Identify escape routes and practice them with your household.
✅ Step 4: Assemble your team:

• Assign roles to family members, neighbors, or volunteers to help during an emergency.
• Establish communication with your evacuation partners.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles fires are a powerful reminder of how essential it is to be prepared. Disasters may be unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. At Sale Ranch, our evacuation plan allowed us to protect everyone, from our largest farm animals to our dedicated volunteers, during the Fairview Fire.

Start building your evacuation plan today. Preparation ensures that Kindness Lives Here, even in the face of crisis.