What To Do When a Wildfire is Approaching
Should your house be threatened by a wildfire, you may be advised to evacuate by a fire or law enforcement official. The purpose of the evacuation is to protect people from life-threatening situations. Homeowners do have the right to stay on their property as long as their activities do not hinder fire-fighting efforts. If you do decide to stay, the following suggestions will assist in protecting lives and property:
Evacuate, if possible, all family members and pets. See "Pet Evacuation and Animal Rescue" for further information. Contact a friend or relative and relay on your plans. Make sure family members are aware of the pre-arranged meeting place.
Wear cotton long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and boots. Carry gloves, hankdershift, water, and goggles.
Tune into KNCO (830 AM) or KVMR (99.3 FM) and listen for instructions.
Place vehicles in the garage, pointing out, and roll up the windows. Be sure to park where you will not interfere with any emergency vehicle if you need to leave in a hurry. Place valuable papers and momentos in the car. Close the garage door, leaving it unlocked. Disconnect the electric door opener. Place any patio furniture inside.
Fill bathtubs, sinks, trash cans, buckets, and other containers with water. Soak rags and towels for beating out embers and small fires.
Close all interior and exterior doors, windows, and vents.
Close the fireplace damper and place a screen over the hearth.
Remove lightweight non-fire-resistant-curtains. Close fire-resistant window coverings. Attach pre-cut plywood panels to the exterior side of windows and glass doors. Move furniture to the center of each room, and leave the light on.
Turn off pilot lights. Shut off propane at the tank, or natural gas at the meter.
Prop a ladder against the house so that firefighters have easy access to the roof. Keep woodshake or shingles roofs moist. Place a sprinkler on the roof, but do not turn on until embers begin to fall on the roof.
Attach garden hoses to faucets and attach a nozzle set on spray.
If a fire should occur within the house, call 911. Then solicit the help ofneighbors to fight the fire until firefighters arrive. Go outside if you cant immediately put the fire out. Most importantly, STAY CALM!
