Hint: Don't let your landscaping contribute to a wildfire. Keep your trees pruned, maintain "fuel breaks" by taking out ladder fuels and limiting vegetation to not closer than 30' around your home.
Wildfire Preparation
Most wildfires are started by people. Practice wildfire safety by:
- Learn about local fire laws from your fire department or forestry office.
- Prepare for a possible fire by making sure that the fire vehicles can get to your home.
- Clearly mark all driveway entrances and make sure your name and address are visible.
- Post fire emergency phone numbers and contact information in easy to see places in your home.
- Plan more than one escape route from your property - leaving by vehicle and by foot.
- Talk to your neighbors, plan together and particularly be ready to assist those with special needs and the elderly.
- Make a plan for your pets, both while in your home and if you have to evacuate.
Disaster Gear Checklist
Your basic disaster kit should include:
- Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days
- Food - at least a three day supply of non-perishable food and can opener
- Batter powered or hand crank radio plus a NOAA Weather radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and water for your pet
- Whistle
- Cell phone with charger
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Cash or credit cards
When Wildfire Threatens
If a wildfire is threatening your area you must be extremely vigilant and be prepared to react quickly.
- Listen to your battery powered radio for any reports and evacuation information.
- Confine your pets so that you may be able to locate them if you are evacuating.
- Have you car pointed in the direction of escape and if you are in a garage disconnect automatic garage door openers.
- If you are told to evacuate - do it! Wear protective clothing and take your disaster supply kit.
- Tell someone what time you are leaving and where you are going.
- Be situationally aware of changes in the fire resulting from changes in wind direction and speed.
