Wildfires

Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now----before the wildfire strikes.

• Contact your local fire department, health department or forestry office for information on fire laws. Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.
• Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.
• Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.
• Post fire emergency telephone numbers.
• Plan several escape routes away from your home-----by car and by foot.
• Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety. Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a wildfire. Make a list of neighbor’s skills such as medical or technical. Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans to take care of children who may be on their own if parents can’t get home.

CREATE A 30-50 FOOT SAFETY ZONE AROUND YOUR HOME

• Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
• Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures.
• Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.
• Remove dead branches and shrubs that extend over the roof.
• Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
• Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.
• Remove vines from the walls of the home.
• Mow grass regularly.
• Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen over the grill---use non-flammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch.
• Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site. Follow local burning regulations.
• Place stove, fireplace and grill ashes in a metal bucket, soak in water for two days, then bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
• Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
• Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home.

PLAN YOUR WATER NEEDS

• Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source such as a small pond, cistern, well, swimming pool or hydrant.
• Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.
• Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other structures on the property. Install additional outlets at lease 50 feet from the home.
• Consider obtaining a portable gasoline powered pump in case electrical power is cut off.

WHEN WILDFIRE THREATENS

• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
• Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
• Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area.

IF ADVISED TO EVACUATE, DO SO IMMEDIATLEY

• Wear protective clothing---sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long sleeved shirt, gloves and handkerchief to protect your face.
• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Lock your home.
• Tell someone when you left and where you are going.
• Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

• Three –day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil.
• One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag person.
• A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.
• Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler’s checks.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• An extra pair of eyeglasses.

Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.

CREATE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

• Contact your local emergency management or civil defense office or your local American Red Cross Chapter.
• Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster.

Pick two meeting places:

1) a place a safe distance from your home in case of a home fire

2) a place outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home

Choose an out-of-state friend as a “check-in contact” for everyone to call

Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone.

Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas and electricity at main switches.

Learn first aid and CPR. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information and training.