How to Prepare for an Evacuation
5/8/2019 (Permalink)
Due to the recent devastating fires, it's best to be prepared in case of an evacuation. An evacuation can require immediate action. Here are a couple of steps from the CAL FIRE Ready for Wildfire, that can help you.
How to prepare for an Evacuation:
Inside the house
- Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked.
- Remove flammable window shades, curtains and close metal shutters
- Remove lightweight curtains
- Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
- Shut off gas at the meter; turn off pilot lights.
- Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions.
- Shut off the air conditioning.
Outside
- Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (Patio furniture, children's toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.) or place them in your pool.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.
- Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Fill water buckets and place them around the house.
- Don't leave sprinklers on or water running, they can affect critical water pressure.
- Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof.
- Patrol your property and monitor the fire situation. Don't wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened.
Animals
- Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
- Prepare farm animals for transport and think about moving them to a safe location early.