Experts urge the importance of emergency preparedness amid wildfire season

FALLBROOK, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — In the aftermath of the "Garden Fire," residents in the surrounding area are recognizing the importance of being prepared for emergencies.

Bryan Outcault has been living in Fallbrook for five years now. He shared that he and his wife don't have an emergency plan, but the recent wildfire has made them rethink creating one.

"She packed up a bunch of stuff, which it's put away now because it [the fire] is out, but she was panicking," according to Outcault.

The reality that many had to pack up and go quickly had Outcault and his wife reaching for their most precious belongings just in case. “Documents like passports, marriage certificates -- all the stuff that we want to keep,” said Outcault.

Experts stress the importance of having a plan, especially since it's peak wildfire season in San Diego County. "You also want to have a go bag by your door, so if you have to leave at a moment's notice all you have to do as you’re leaving the door is pick that up and put it in your car," explained Mike Cornette, Fire Captain with Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire.

This time of year, he also recommended always having at least half a tank of gas in your car at all times incase an evacuation is ordered. For those with livestock, making sure there’s enough defensible space around enclosures is important.

Captain Cornette said it's been a few years since San Diego County has experienced a major devastating wildfire. "We’re in that lull of fire activity and people might have the tendency to let their guard down, but we need to keep that mindset that fire season is year-round in this county," according to Cornette.

San Diego County has a program that residents in the agricultural industry who own livestock or farms can sign up for that can potentially allow access to restricted areas to care for crops or animals during an evacuation.