The Ready Set Go program is a tool that emergency services use during a wildfire to more readily communicate with at-risk residents and their current status. When evacuation zones are established, orders of Ready, Set or Go will be issued for each zone to determine what the recommended course of action is.

Ready status indicates that homeowners should take preventative and protective measures to help defend your home in the case of a fire. First, homeowners should create a defensible space directly around the home by removing vegetation, debris and any other flammable objects.

Other preparation measures include increasing the fire resistance of household spaces such as deck, fences and gutters as well as establishing a plan of action in the event of a wildfire with an emergency kit.

Set status signifies residents to stay vigilant and be prepared for an evacuation notice. Residents should closely monitor fire weather and updates, double-check their emergency supplies and alert household and neighbors.

In the event of a Go order, residents should evacuate immediately and head to a low-risk area such as an evacuation center. Resident should take only necessary belongings such as important documents and IDs, credit cards, prescriptions and emergency kit. It is crucial that residents have multiple travel routes in case roads are blocked by the fire or emergency vehicles.

In short, residents should “get ready” during Ready status, “prepare and be aware” during Set status and “act early” during Go status.