Set

Prepare and Be Aware

During this portion of the Ready, Set, Go! program, there's like a WUI fire in the area and property owners are on notice that they may soon need to evacuate their homes. During this time, you should work through the following checklist to best prepare your property and yourself for evacuation.

Personal Checklist 

Inside Your Home Checklist

Outside Your Home Checklist

  • Monitor fire weather conditions and fire status. Check the Flower Mound Fire Department's social media (Facebook, Twitter) accounts for WUI fire updates. Stay tuned to your TV or local radio stations for updates, including Red Flag Warnings in your area.
  • Close all windows and doors.
  • Make sure combustible items, such as patio furniture, children's toys, door mats, and more, are a safe distance from the exterior of the house. If you have time, place the items inside your garage or home where they will not become a hazard.
  • Alert everyone in your household and your neighbors to the situation.
  • Remove all shades and curtains from windows and ensure all blinds remain open, unless you have metal blinds. Close all metal blinds.
  • Turn off propane tanks and other gas at the meter.
  • Dress in appropriate clothing (i.e., clothing made from natural fibers, such as cotton, and work boots). Have goggles and a dry bandana or particle mask handy.
  • Move furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
  • Don't leave sprinklers on or water running. They can affect critical water pressure.
  • Ensure your Go Kit includes all necessary items, including prescription medication, emergency supplies, important documents, and other essential items.
  • Turn off pilot lights and air conditioning units.
  • Leave exterior lights on.
  • Stay close to your house, drink plenty of water, and ensure your household members and pets are accounted for and ready to leave.
  • Leave the lights in your home on so firefighters can see your house in smoky conditions.
  • Back your car into the driveway to facilitate a quick departure. Shut your car doors and roll up windows.


  • Have a ladder ready to use to cover attic vents. Use pre-cut plywood or commercial seals. Use the same for ground vents. Do so in a safe manner, and only if time permits.


  • Patrol your property and extinguish small fires, if you can do so safely, until you leave.


To learn more about this part of the Ready, Set, Go! program, download this Wildland Fire Action Guide.