During The Fire
Keep tools readily available.
Wear protective clothing (long pants, long sleeved shirt, and gloves).
Stay calm and control your adrenaline.
Drive safely and share rides if possible.
Park your vehicle for quick departure.
Park completely off the road to allow access for emergency vehicles.
Roll up the windows, and leave the keys inside the vehicle.
Work safely, using your home as your shelter, if evacuation is not possible.
Use the following emergency methods while waiting for the Fire Department to arrive:
Water
from a pool or pond, with a motorized pump with hoses and nozzles, is the most effective way to extinguish a fire.
Soil
can be used to extinguish a fire by spreading a thin layer of soil on the base of the flames.
Wet towels or burlap
can be used for beating out the flames.
Fire Lines
can be used to contain fires by clearing down to bare mineral soil, 1 1/2 times the height of the adjacent vegetation.
After the flames pass:
First check the roof of the house, and then adjacent vegetation for smoldering embers.
Thoroughly check the inside of the house, including the attic, garage, closets, and storage areas.
Walk the property, checking woodpiles, trees, fences, and out-buildings.
Inspect frequently over the next twelve hours, and watch for smoke for at least a week after the fire.
