BE PREPARED!
Though not an expert, there are some common sense ideas that can help if one of the California Wildfires approaches your area or neighborhood. First of all, call 911 if you see smoke or flames approaching. Do not block emergency vehicles or turn animals loose as this may endanger emergency personnel and your animals. Listen to and obey emergency personnel.
Clear all weeds and brush within 30 feet of all structures and vehicles, and minimize brush within 100 feet (it is the law); avoid planting pine trees close to a structure, keep all trees and shrubs properly trimmed and keep an emergency cache of non perishable supplies needed for at least 72 hours (including food, water and medications) that is easily accessible, and not used for anything else. Know at least two possible escape routes from your property and the area you live in. If there are not two routes available, you may want to know of several possible sheltering sites that would be safe from danger.
There is no way to know when or where a fire or other emergency may occur. It would be good to know your neighbors and have their cell phone numbers, perhaps appoint a block captain or CERT member who could notify you in an emergency if you are away. Have tags on or available for all your animals with your cell/home phone number along with a release form for evacuation.
As part of your supplies, once your property has been cleared of weeds and debris, and as part of being prepared, you should have a ladder and hose that can reach the roof of your structures, a shovel, crowbar, rake, pocket knife, pliers, water buckets, a battery powered radio and fire extinguisher; vaccination and medical records for your pets (keep inoculations current as pets may come in contact with others), and a good first aid kit (including medications for your family). Keep at least ½ tank of gas in your vehicle and point it toward the best escape route.
These are only a few ideas to help in an emergency, it helps to designate an out of area person to contact during an emergency in case local numbers are out of order and you need to communicate with family members. Also remember that leather and cotton are preferable to synthetic fibers and rubber which can melt.
The US Forestry Service: www.fire.ca.gov, www.hhs.gov/californiafires, www.fema.gov/wildfire and other websites may give more details on fire safety. Please be prepared and be safe!
This article was provided by:
Peggy Mueller
Realtor®, GRI, CRS
Prudential California Realty
Need a bit more information?
See Peggy's listing in our Realtor® Directory...
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