Wildfire Safety Tips
|
|
SMART FIRE SAFETY SAVES LIVES !
|
Before Wildfire Threatens:
|
·
|
Post emergency phone numbers by each telephone in the house.
|
·
|
Install Smoke Detectors in all living spaces.
|
·
|
If you smoke, use your ashtray.
|
·
|
Store and use flammable liquids properly.
|
·
|
Don’t keep combustible materials under decks or elevated porches.
|
·
|
Keep at least two means of escape (either a door/window) in each room.
|
·
|
Your name and address should be prominently posted at driveway entrance so it is visible and legible from both directions of travel.
|
Landscape Maintenance
|
·
|
Keep a clearing of at least 30 feet around your house as a defensible zone.
|
·
|
Space the trees you plant carefully.
|
·
|
Create "fuelbreaks" – using driveways, gravel walkways, or lawns.
|
·
|
Thin and prune trees and shrubs regularly.
|
·
|
Remove leaf clutter from your roof and yard.
|
·
|
Mow regularly.
|
·
|
Remove dead or overhanging branches.
|
·
|
Store firewood away from your house.
|
Have A Fire Escape Plan
|
·
|
Have a family meeting to discuss what to do if there is a fire.
|
·
|
Practice your plan.
|
·
|
Plan two exits from every room.
|
·
|
Keep calm.
|
·
|
Close the door.
|
·
|
Don’t go back.
|
·
|
Keep necessities in a suitcase/luggage and ready to go.
|
·
|
Decide on a meeting place so you will know if everyone has gotten out safely.
|
When Wildfire Threatens
|
·
|
SEND THE ALARM
Dial 911 to report a fire.
Listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information.
|
·
|
WALK QUICKLY, DON’T PANIC
Feel the door on your way out with the back of your hand. If the door is hot, do not open. Close door behind you to slow the spread of fire..
|
·
|
STAY LOW AND GO
If there’s smoke, escape by staying very low to the ground where air is cooler.
|
·
|
DON’T GO BACK
Do not go back into a fire for anything! Your life is your MOST valuable possession.
|
Pets/Livestock And Wildfire
|
·
|
First and foremost, you are responsible for the safety and care of your pets and livestock.
|
·
|
Contact hotels, motels or friends outside your immediate area to plan for an alternate shelter for your pets/livestock.
|
·
|
Develop a buddy system with a neighbor in case you or your neighbor are not home when fire threatens. Make sure a neighbor is familiar with your pets and has a key to your home.
|
·
|
Assemble a portable pet disaster supplies kit including:
|
|
·
|
Medications and medical reports
|
|
·
|
Sturdy leashes & harnesses
|
|
·
|
Current photos
|
|
·
|
Food and water
|
|
·
|
Carriers to transport pets
|
|
·
|
Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian.
|
·
|
Make sure each pet has a collar, harness, or halter that has your name, address, and phone number. Add an alternate phone number if possible.
|
·
|
Even a trusted pet can bite or scratch when frightened.
|
·
|
Once away from danger keep all animals securely leashed or tied.
|
·
|
Don’t leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off.
|
·
|
When you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines.
|