Wildfire Disaster Preparedness
Before a Fire
- Prepare an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
- 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:
- 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.
