Wildfires - Are You Prepared?
More and more people are
making their homes in woodland settings – in or near forests, rural areas or
remote sites. There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the
very real danger of wildfires. Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread
quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now –
before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where to
go if wildfires threaten your area.
Practice Wildfire Safety
- People start most
wildfires…find out how you can promote and practice wildfire safety.
- Contact your local fire
department or forestry officer for information on fire laws. Make sure that
fire vehicles can get to your home.
- Clearly mark all
driveway entrances and display your name and address.
- Report hazardous
conditions that could cause a wildfire.
- Teach children about
fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.
- Post fire emergency
telephone numbers.
- Plan several escape
routes away from your home – by car and by foot.
Talk to your neighbors
about wildfire safety. Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a
wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors’ skills such as medical or technical.
Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs such as elderly or
disabled persons. Make plans to take care of children who may be on their own if
parents can’t get home.
Before Wildfire
Threatens - Protect Your Home
- Design and landscape
your home with wildfire safety in mind. Select materials and plants that can
help contain fire rather than fuel it. Use fire resistant or non-combustible
materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling. Plant
fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less
flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.
- Regularly clean roof
and gutters.
- Inspect chimneys at
least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year.
- Install a smoke alarm
on each level of your home. Test monthly and change the batteries two times
each year.
- Teach family members
how to use the fire extinguisher.
- Rake leaves, dead limbs
and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
- Remove dead branches
that extend over the roof.
- Prune tree branches and
shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
- Ask the power company
to clear branches from power lines.
- Mow grass regularly.
- Store gasoline, oily
rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans.
- Stack firewood at least
100 feet away and uphill from your home.
- Consider installing
protective shutters or heavy fire – resistant drapes.
- Keep handy household
items that can be used as fire tools; a rake, axe, hand/chain saw, bucket and
shovel.
Plan Your Water Needs
- Identify and maintain
an adequate outside water source such as a small pond, cistern, well, swimming
pool or hydrant.
- Have a garden hose that
is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the
property.
- Install freeze-proof
exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other
structures on the property. Install additional outlets at least 50 feet from
the home.
- Consider obtaining a
portable gasoline powered pump in case electrical power is cut off.
When Wildfire
Threatens …
If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your
battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the
instructions of local officials.
- Back your car into the
garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors
and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and
doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
- Confine pets to one
room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
- Arrange temporary
housing at a friend or relative’s outside the threatened area.
If Advised To Evacuate,
Do So Immediately
- Wear protective
clothing – sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved
shirt, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face.
- Take your Disaster
Supplies Kit.
- Lock your home.
- Tell someone when you
left and where you are going.
- Choose a route away
from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and
smoke.
If
you’re sure you have time, take
steps to protect your home
Inside
- Close windows, vents,
doors, venetian blinds and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
- Shut off gas at the
meter. Turn off pilot lights.
- Open fireplace damper.
Close fireplace screens.
- Move flammable
furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding-glass
doors.
- Turn on a light in each
room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.
Outside
- Seal attic and ground
vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Place combustible patio
furniture inside.
- Connect the garden hose
to outside taps.
- Set up the portable
gasoline-powered pump.
- Place lawn sprinklers
on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof.
- Wet or remove shrubs
within 15 feet of the house.
- Gather fire tools.
Wildfire and other types
of disasters can strike quickly and without warning. You can cope by preparing
in advance and working with your family to devise a Family Disaster Plan which
includes a Disaster Supplies Kit. Discuss with your family why it is important
to have a plan and practice your plan frequently.
For additional information on wildfires or to become a Disaster Resistant
Neighborhood, please contact the Van Buren Sheriff’s Office Emergency
Management, Sergeant Alain Svilpe at 269-657-7786.
< < RETURN TO DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS
▲ Back to top |
