Knowing how to evacuate safely can mean the difference between life and death. Being prepared and acting early can save lives. The Mill Valley Evacuation Drill on April 26th is your chance to practice your plan and ensure you are ready when it matters most.
Safer Evacuation: What Mill Valley Residents Need to Know
Wildfires move quickly, and for those living in Mill Valley, evacuating safely requires a well-thought-out plan. Whether you live in a hillside neighborhood or in a flatter area, having an evacuation strategy is critical. Wildfires spread rapidly due to heat, wind patterns, and dry conditions, making early evacuation and preparedness essential. Below are key strategies to help you prepare for and execute a safe evacuation.
Key Steps for a Safer Evacuation
1. Prepare an Emergency “Go Bag” for Each Family Member
- Pack essentials such as water, medications, change of clothes, important documents, a flashlight, and an n95 mask to protect against smoke inhalation.
- Keep your Go Bag in an easy-to-grab location.
- Review Fire Safe Marin’s Evacuation Checklists for detailed lists of recommended items and actions.
2. Plan Your Evacuation Routes
- Much of Mill Valley is built into hillsides, where narrow roads and parked cars can slow evacuation. Planning your route ahead of time is critical.
- Familiarize yourself with multiple escape routes and practice using them.
- Avoid narrow or dead-end roads that can become congested.
- Identify potential areas of refuge, such as cleared parking lots, well-maintained open spaces with minimal vegetation, irrigated lawns, paved surfaces, or locations that have already burned.
3. Stay Alert & Leave Early
- Sign up for Alert Marin.
- Don’t wait for mandatory evacuation orders—leave when you feel unsafe.
- Keep your vehicle fueled and ready to go at all times.
4. Evacuate Downhill Whenever Possible
- Fires spread faster uphill; heading downhill moves you to safer areas, away from the most intense fire behavior.
- Identify multiple downhill evacuation routes in advance.
- Avoid fire roads or trails, as they may not lead to safety.
5. If Caught in a Wildfire, Seek the Safest Option
- If evacuation routes are blocked, staying inside your vehicle provides the most protection from heat and embers compared to being exposed on foot.
- Every situation is different—assess your surroundings and choose the best possible shelter.
- Avoid stopping in “in-turns” on winding roads, where fire burns more intensely.
Practice Your Plan: Join the Mill Valley Evacuation Drill on April 26
On April 26, 2025, all Mill Valley residents will have the opportunity to participate in a community-wide evacuation drill. This drill allows residents to practice their evacuation routes, test Alert Marin notifications, and collaborate with public safety officials to improve emergency preparedness.
Public safety agencies, including the Mill Valley Police Department, Marin Sheriff’s Office, and neighboring law enforcement agencies, will monitor traffic flow and assess the effectiveness of evacuation routes.
Mayor Stephen Burke emphasizes the importance of preparedness: “Wildfires don’t wait, and neither should we. The April 26 evacuation drill is a chance for every Mill Valley resident to be proactive, to learn their evacuation routes, and to get comfortable with taking action. Wildfire safety starts with each of us — because when we prepare together, we make our whole community stronger and safer.”
Watch & Learn: Expert Guidance on Wildfire Evacuation
For more details on wildfire evacuations, watch wildfire expert Mark Brown’s video on safe wildfire evacuation strategies in forested, hillside communities.
Visit the 2025 Evacuation Drill Webpage for more information about drill and to start getting ready.
By following these steps and participating in an evacuation drill, you can increase your chances of a safe evacuation when every second counts.