The Carson National Forest is working to continue to educate residents about the importance of being prepared for wildfire dangers and risks through their “2024 Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round” campaign.

Officials say that regardless of where you live—in a rural area or in the wildland-urban interface area—preparedness is vital to ensure you’re ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice if necessary. The program’s slogan is “Get to Know Ready, Set, Go!” Below are the steps of the program:

Ready – Get Ready

• Create a family disaster plan that includes meeting locations and communication plans and rehearse it regularly. Include the evacuation of large animals, such as horses, in your plan.
• Put together an emergency supply kit or go-bag. The N.M. Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s Preparedness Guide is a good resource for items to include. Keep an extra kit in your vehicle. Don’t forget important family documents like birth certificates, wills, deeds and insurance policies.

Set – Be Prepared to Go

• Monitor fire weather conditions and fire status. See InciWeb and NM Fire Info. Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for updates and check official information sources on the internet.
• • Have an evacuation plan for your family and pets in place, and make sure all family members have a copy of evacuation and contact information.
• • Load your supplies and go-bags in your vehicle.

Go – Act Early, Evacuate

• Do not wait to be advised to leave if there is a possible threat to your home or evacuation route. Leave early enough to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. If you are advised to leave by local authorities, do not hesitate. If you don’t follow the Go order, understand that emergency services may not be able to assist you.
• Head to a predetermined location in a low-risk area, such as a relative’s house, Red Cross shelter or evacuation center, motel or school. Identify several routes in case your first choice is closed due to the fire.

The Forest Service says there are other helpful resources include the Ready, Set, Go! Program. (https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/, video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuAVdU1obH4), Downloadable PERSONAL WILDLAND FIRE ACTION GUIDE in PDF format (https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/FINAL-new-mexico-RSG-guide-2017_000.pdf). You can also bookmark the wildfire preparedness webpage to follow the campaign throughout the year. (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/)