Real Estate Articles

Know what to do if you must evacuate your home

Realtors pass on safety tips to their clients and consumers year-round, and in September they celebrate Realtor Safety month. September is also recognized as National Preparedness Month. In light of the wildfires that continue to burn and disrupt the lives of many individuals and families, it is a good time to stress preparedness and what to do in case you need to evacuate your home, says Mary Kay Groth, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.

"These wildfires have brought that reality closer to home as our region has been surrounded by wildfires in all directions," says Groth. "Although evacuation warnings and orders have been lifted in Santa Clara County, we need to be vigilant and have a plan and know what to take and what to do in case we need to evacuate our home."

SILVAR shares the following evacuation tips from ready.gov, the official website of the Department of Homeland Security, and HouseLogic.com, a source of information for homeowners, homebuyers and sellers from the National Association of Realtors.

Make a Plan

• Assign an out-of-state contact to let them know where you are going.
• Decide on where to meet as a family in case you get separated.
• Always have your vehicle's gas tank filled in case you must evacuate right away.
• Sign up for free text alerts from your county.
• In case the power shuts off, have a battery-operated radio and keep a charged battery pack for your cell phone, so you will not be cut off from the news and can contact people.
• Learn how to safely shut off all utilities in your home.
• Prepare a checklist of what to take and what to do.

What to Take

• Your driver's license
• The deed to your house and other important documents related to your home and financial accounts
• Proof of insurance
• Medical records
• Passports, Social Security cards and other important proof of identity documents
• A list of personal contacts
• A grab-and-go bag withessential supplies, such as water, food, medication, and first-aid supplies, pet food. Don't forget to include face coverings, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to protect you from coronavirus.
• Cash in small bills, as the ATM and credit cards machines may not be working

What to Do Before You Leave

• Lock all the doors and windows in your home.
• Unplug electrical equipment such as televisions, computers, and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
• Leave a note telling others when you left and a phone number to reach you.
• Wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, a windbreaker or light coat and a hat.
• Gather your pets and load them in the car.

"Having a plan and a checklist of what to do and take will keep you calm if the worst-case scenario happens and you must evacuate your home," says Groth.

The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.

For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.

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