Fire Preparedness

  Fire Preparedness

We are still in the midst of fire season. Please see the following tips on Wildfire Preparedness.

GET READY
Prepare your family and home by doing the following:

  • Create a defensible space – this is your “buffer” – remove dead plants, grass, and weeds
  • Harden your home – use fire resistant building materials
  • Fire-Safe Landscaping – strategically plant fire-resistant plants.
    • Fire-resistant plants are great in CA because they are often drought tolerant

GET SET
Create a Family Wildfire Action Plan.  See checklist here… and practice it! [Include PETS!]
Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit for EACH person
Create a Family Communication Plan –including numbers from family members out-of-state

GO
Follow evacuation plans. CARRY CAR KEYS and CELLPHONE WITH YOU.
If there is enough time (a good time is when VOLUNTARY evacuations are issued), do the following:

Home

  • Shut all windows/doors – LEAVE THEM UNLOCKED – (so fire personnel can protect your home!)
  • MOVE flammable furniture to CENTER of the room – AWAY from windows/doors
  • SHUT OFF gas valve and pilot lights and air conditioning units
  • Leave your LIGHTS ON so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions

Outside

  • Move flammable items (patio furniture, toys, door mats) INSIDE
  • Turn OFF propane tanks and TURN OFF sprinklers system – this can affect critical water pressure
  • Fill water buckets and place them around house
  • If you have a ladder, place it at a corner of the house for fire personnel use
  • Leave exterior LIGHTS ON to improve firefighters’ visibility

Animals

  • Keep them nearby
  • Prepare farm animal transport and think about evacuation locations during planning

Returning
Do not return to your home until fire officials determine it is safe. Notification that it is safe to return home will be given as soon as possible considering safety and accessibility.

When it is safe to return home,

  • Be alert for downed power lines and other hazards.
  • Check propane tanks, regulators, and lines before turning gas on.
  • Check your residence carefully for hidden embers or smoldering fires.

Learn more on how to prepare your home, emergency plan, and go-bag at ReadyForWildfire.org