Early evacuation before sediment disaster occurs is becoming more important especially in hilly and mountainous areas. This study examines factors of the actual early evacuation in hilly and mountainous areas in Nara prefecture by interviews and questionnaires. The results suggest four common important points, namely 1) appropriate information, 2) evacuation calls within a community, 3) opening evacuation shelters early, and 4) safe and non‐stressful evacuation shelters. Especially, to promote early evacuation before disaster occurs it is necessary to improve evacuation shelter environments.