Wildfires! Are You Prepared?  By: Clayton H. Hawkins Director/Chief Officer Calaveras County Office of Emergency Services  More and more people are making their homes in rural areas. Homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire. Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now – before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family and decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten your area. Practice Wildfire Safety People start most Wildfires. Here are some tips on how you can promote and practice wildfire safety. Contact your local fire department or CDF for information on fire laws. Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your address. Report hazardous conditions around your home 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. Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety. Plan how the neighborhood can work together before and after a wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors’ 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 be at home. Before Wildfire Threatens... Protect Your Home Landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind by using fire-resistant shrubs and trees. Regularly clean roof and gutters of accumulated needles, twigs and leaves. Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year. Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home. Test monthly and change the batteries several times each year. Teach family members how to use a fire extinguisher. Remove dead branches that extend over the roof. Prune tree branches and shrubs away from stovepipes and chimneys. Clear shrubs and other vegetation 30’ away from your home. Ask your power company to clear branches away from power lines. Mow grass regularly. Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Stack firewood away from your home. Plan Your Water Needs Identify and maintain an 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. When Wildfire Threatens If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, follow the instructions of local officials. 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. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate. Arrange temporary housing for you and your pets outside the threatened area. If Advised to Evacuate, do so Immediately. Wear protective clothing sturdy shoes, cotton clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face. Take your Disaster Supplies Kit. Lock your home. Tell someone when you left, where you are going, and when you expect to return. Choose an escape route away from fire hazards. If you are sure you have time, take steps to protect your home: Inside: Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds and heavy drapes. Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights. Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding-glass doors. Outside: Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals. Turn off propane tanks. Place combustible patio furniture inside. Wildfire and other types of disasters can strike quickly and without warning. You can cope by preparing in advance and working with your family to devise a Family Disaster Plan, which includes a Disaster Supplies Kit. Discuss with your family why it is important to have a plan and practice your plan frequently. Fore further information on Wildfire Safety you can contact the Calaveras County Office of Emergency Services at (209)754-6303. ___________  to previous page 050702