Evacuation Tag Information
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Marin County Fire Department is giving away free evacuation tags to residents living in unincorporated Marin County. Evacuation tags are a new tool to help us more quickly ensure that neighborhoods are evacuated during a disaster. Residents affix the tag in a location that is highly visible when they evacuate (mailbox, front door, garage, end of your driveway).
This saves time because first responders don’t have to utilize our own ribbon on the property and we can immediately check the next home. We’ve learned that seconds can count during evacuations and we are excited to bring this new time-saving tool to our residents. Each tag comes with a bilingual instruction flyer, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if there’s more than one home on my property? A: When a first responder sees an evacuation tag near the street, he/she assumes everyone on the property has evacuated. If everyone has evacuated, place the tag near the street. If someone is still on the property, only place the tag on the homes that have been evacuated. If placing the tag near the end of your driveway, only do so when your whole property and all residences are vacant.
Q: Can I get multiple tags to distribute to my neighbors? A: Absolutely! Depending on the quantity, it may be easiest to coordinate with our Public Information Officer who can be reached at A_Schermerhorn@marinsheriff.org or at 415-473-5567
Q: Doesn’t the evacuation tag tell looters I’m not home? A: First responders usually mark your home with yellow tape or an “X” on the street when they confirm your home is evacuated. This is no different than an evacuation tag. We heavily patrol evacuated zones with help from our mutual aid partners and neighboring agencies. Your life is our first priority, then we focus on keeping your home and property safe while you’re gone.
Q: Where do I affix the tag when I evacuate? A: Place the tag in a location that is most visible to first responders who are on the street. This could be a gate, a mailbox, Garage door or a front door. If there is more than one home on the property, make sure all homes are evacuated before placing the tag near the street. We recommend the use of a zip tie or some type of small wire (26 gauge) to affix the tag to a location. Something that will stay where it is placed for an extended period of time if necessary.
Q: What if I’m elderly or disabled and can’t drive to pick up an evacuation tag? A: We are happy to help community members who need a little assistance. Please reach out to our Public Information Officer who can be reached at A_Schermerhorn@marinsheriff.org or at 415-473-5567.
Q: Can I get one for my vacation rental or second home? A: Yes!
Q: Do I have to use an evacuation tag? A: No. Evacuation tags are optional. It helps us evacuate neighborhoods more quickly, which means firefighters can get in more quickly to fight the fire. Most people we’ve talked with are very excited about the evacuation tags and we hope you are, too. Sonoma County and Napa County have had great success with their programs.
Q: Can I get an evacuation tag if I live in an incorporated city? A: Absolutely. We coordinated with all of the Law Enforcement jurisdictions in the county to ensure everyone had the same evacuation tags. If you live within city limits, please contact your local law enforcement agency and ask about evacuation tags.
Evacuation Tag Pickup Locations – Sheriff’s Office Locations
- Southern Marin Substation (850 Drake Ave, Marin City)
- Kentfield Substation (831 College Ave, Kentfield)
- Main Office (1600 Los Gamos Drive #200, San Rafael)
- Point Reyes Substation (101 4th St, Point Reyes)
Evacuation Tag Pickup Locations –Fire Department Locations
- Tomales Fire Station (599 Dillon Beach Road, Dillon Beach)
- Point Reyes Fire Station (101 4th St, Point Reyes)
- Hicks Valley Fire Station (7330 Red Hill Rd, Petaluma)
- Woodacre Fire Station (33 Castlerock, Woodacre)
- Throckmorton Fire Station (816 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley)
- Marin City Fire Station (850 Drake Ave, Marin City)
- Inverness Fire Station (50 Inverness Way, Inverness)
- Bolinas Fire Station (100 Mesa Rd, Bolinas)
- Stinson Beach Fire Station (32 Belvedere Ave, Stinson Beach)
