As crews continue battling the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto County, residents in parts of Palo Pinto and Jack counties are being urged to evacuate as a precaution, while the City of Graford remains on alert. As of Wednesday morning, the evacuation recommendation includes Palo Pinto County residents no rth of Fortune Bend Road to Highway 16 North at FM 337, as well as the areas around Turpin Road and Highway 337. In Jack County, residents near FM 2210 and FM 4 east of Perrin and Rock Creek Road at Hassel Ranch Road are also being urged to leave. The evacuations are not mandatory, but officials are strongly encouraging residents to leave now, particularly those who may need additional time or assistance. An evacuation site has been established at the Jacksboro Twin Lakes Recreation Center, 1114 TX-59 in Jacksboro. Wildfire conditions can change quickly, and emergency officials recommend preparing before an evacuation becomes necessary. Here’s how to prepare if a wildfire threatens your community. Emergency alerts: North Texas cities and counties have different emergency alert systems to communicate with residents. Sign up for alerts at the links below. Jack County Parker County Palo Pinto County Wise County The FEMA app can provide real-time alerts from the National Weather Service. Preparing for possible evacuations: If you have time before evacuating, CAL FIRE, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, recommends taking several steps that can give your home a better chance of surviving a wildfire. Close all windows and doors, but leave them unlocked Take down flammable window treatments such as shades or curtains, and close metal shutters. Move items that burn easily to the middle of rooms, away from windows or doors. Turn off gas at the meter and pilot lights. Turn off air conditioning. Leave lights on for firefighters to see your house. What to pack in a go bag: Texas AM Forest Service recommends preparing an emergency “GO” kit before a wildfire or other disaster threatens your home and storing it somewhere safe and easy to access. CalFire similarly recommends keeping the bag light enough to carry and load into a vehicle quickly, using backpacks for essentials and documents and, if needed, a wheeled container for heavier food and water. Texas AM Forest Service says families should plan for at least 72 hours of food and water for everyone in the household, including pets and livestock, and regularly check the kit for expired food, damaged supplies, outdated paperwork and prescription changes. According to Texas AM Forest Service and Ready for Wildfire, a wildfire evacuation kit should include: Prescription medications, dosage information and necessary medical equipment Eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and any needed batteries or power cords Copies of identification, insurance information, birth certificates, passports and other important documents A change of clothes and sturdy shoes Toiletries, sanitation supplies and a first-aid kit Cash, credit cards and extra car keys Cell phones, chargers, power banks and other necessary electronics A flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries A map showing at least two evacuation routes Easily carried valuables, family photos, heirlooms or other irreplaceable items, if time allows For children Texas AM Forest Service recommends accounting for children’s needs when building and updating an evacuation kit. Consider packing: Comfort items, favorite toys or activities A written family contact list and evacuation plan that children can keep in a backpack, wallet or notebook Any child-specific medications or supplies For pets Texas AM Forest Service recommends taking pets with you during an evacuation and preparing their supplies ahead of time. A pet evacuation kit should include: Food, water and medications; Texas AM Forest Service recommends a two-week supply for each animal when possible Non-spill food and water bowls and a manual can opener, if needed Feeding and medication instructions Veterinary and vaccination records, rabies certificates and prescriptions Proof of ownership or adoption records and microchip information Recent photos and a description of each pet A collar with identification An appropriately sized carrier with bedding A pet first-aid kit Toys and comfort items A litter box and litter for cats Cleaning supplies For livestock Texas AM Forest Service recommends making evacuation plans for horses and other large animals before a wildfire and practicing loading them into trailers. A livestock evacuation kit should include: Vaccination records and health certificates Proof of ownership, registration or branding records, insurance paperwork, photos and bills of sale A list of medications and dosages Ropes, halters and other necessary tack; Texas AM Forest Service advises avoiding nylon ropes and halters that could melt in extreme heat Contact information for veterinarians, animal control, shelters or boarding facilities and people who could help care for livestock Three to seven days of hay, grain and water Feed pans and water buckets Leather gloves, first-aid supplies and cleaning supplies Other animal-specific supplies such as shavings, grooming supplies and fly spray Evacuating: Experts recommend knowing your evacuation route ahead of time and planning an alternate route in case traffic, fire or road closures make your primary route unsafe. Monitor emergency alerts for information about road conditions and designated evacuation routes, and follow instructions from local officials. CAL FIRE advises leaving promptly when officials recommend evacuation rather than waiting for a mandatory order. Tracking wildfires: The Texas AM Forest Service keeps track of active incidents on its website. ...read more read less