What to Pack: A Wildfire Evacuation Checklist for Colorado Mountain Homeowners

With active wildfires affecting parts of Colorado, now is the perfect time to review your emergency plans. Preparing before an evacuation order is issued gives you the best chance to protect your family, pets, and home if you ever need to leave quickly.

This Colorado Wildfire Evacuation Checklist was created to help mountain homeowners prepare before an evacuation order is issued. Living in the Colorado mountains offers breathtaking scenery, peaceful surroundings, and endless outdoor recreation. However, wildfire season is a reality for homeowners in Woodland Park, Divide, Florissant, Cripple Creek, and throughout Teller County.

Preparing before an evacuation order is issued can make all the difference. Having a plan and an emergency kit ready helps protect your family, pets, and important belongings when every minute counts.

Colorado Wildfire Evacuation Checklist: Build Your Emergency Go Bag

Keep these items packed in a waterproof tote or backpack where they're easy to grab.

Important Documents

Bring copies of:

• Driver's licenses

• Passports

• Insurance policies

• Home deed or mortgage paperwork

• Vehicle titles

• Medical records

• Prescription information

• Birth certificates

• Emergency contact list

Store digital copies in secure cloud storage whenever possible.

Helpful resource:https://www.ready.gov/kit

Medications & Medical Supplies

Have at least a week's supply of:

• Prescription medications

• Glasses or contacts

• Hearing aid batteries

• First aid kit

• Medical equipment

• Extra phone chargers

• Portable battery banks

Clothing

Pack enough for several days.

Include:

• Jeans

• Long sleeve shirts

• Jackets

• Sturdy boots

• Socks

• Gloves

• Rain gear

• Hats

Natural fibers provide better protection around smoke and heat than synthetic materials.

Food & Water

Prepare enough supplies for everyone in your household.

Include:

• Bottled water

• Non-perishable foods

• Manual can opener

• Snacks

• Pet food

• Baby supplies if needed

Electronics

Don't forget:

• Cell phones

• Chargers

• Battery packs

• Laptops

• Backup hard drives

• Flashlights

• Extra batteries

• NOAA Weather Radio

Pet Evacuation Kit

Many mountain homeowners have pets.

Pack:

• Food

• Water

• Medications

• Leashes

• Carriers

• Vaccination records

• Favorite toy or blanket

Before You Leave

If time allows:

• Close all windows and doors.

• Remove flammable patio furniture.

• Shut off propane if instructed.

• Turn on exterior lights.

• Leave gates unlocked for emergency personnel.

• Follow evacuation instructions immediately.

Stay Informed

During wildfire season, monitor official emergency information.

Helpful Resources:

• Ready.gov

• Emergency Kit

• Teller County Sheriff's Office

• El Paso-Teller 911 Authority

• National Weather Service

• InciWeb Incident Information

• Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control

Mountain Living Means Being Prepared

One of the many benefits of living in the Pikes Peak region is being surrounded by beautiful forests, wildlife, and incredible scenery. Preparing for wildfire season helps protect your family, neighbors, and home while giving you peace of mind.

Whether you live in Woodland Park, Divide, Florissant, Cripple Creek, or elsewhere in Teller County, taking a few hours today to prepare can make a tremendous difference if an evacuation ever becomes necessary.

Keeping this Colorado Wildfire Evacuation Checklist updated each year can help ensure your family is prepared before wildfire season begins.

Wildfire preparedness isn't about expecting the worst—it's about being ready if the unexpected happens. Taking time today to prepare your emergency kit, organize important documents, and create a family evacuation plan can provide peace of mind throughout Colorado's wildfire season.