Wildfire Disaster Preparedness

BEFORE A FIRE

  • Prepare an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. (Click Here)
  • Make sure your home is sided and landscaped to resist fire. Clear items that will burn from around the house, including wood piles, lawn furniture, barbecue grills, tarp coverings, etc.
  • Clean roof and gutters of dry debris regularly
  • Keep chimneys and stovepipes clean and in perfect working order. (Contact your local fire department for specifications.)
  • Screen exterior openings to floors, roof and attic.
  • Install a dual-sensor smoke alarm on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.
  • Teach family members location and use of fire extinguishers
  • Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, handsaw or chain saw, bucket and shovel.
  • Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
  • Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.

Water Planning

  • Identify outside water sources: small pond, cistern, well, swimming pool, or hydrant.
  • Have a garden hose long enough to reach each area of the home and outbuildings on the property.
  • Install freeze-proof exterior outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other outbuildings and additional outlets at least 50 feet from the home.
  • Consider portable gasoline powered pump or generator in case electrical power is lost.

Other useful links:

  • www.firewise.org – Firewise workshops are offered for free all across the nation in communities large and small and free Firewise materials can be obtained easily by anyone interested.