- Create a family communications plan in case you’re separated from your family.
- Make a Ready kit with supplies for three days and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate.
- Plan ahead for your pets. Most shelters cannot accept pets due to health reasons.
- Plan several escape routes away from your home, by car and by foot.
- Be aware of recent weather. A long period without rain increases the risk of wildfire.
- Keep leaves and needles off your roof and deck, and clean gutters regularly.
- Trim overhanging branches near structures. Prune large tree branches within 15 ft. from ground.
- Remove debris from under decks and porches.
- Clear combustible material within 20 feet of any structure.
- Install spark arrestors in chimneys and stovepipes.
- Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source, such as a pool or small pond.
- Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home
- Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw, bucket and shovel.
- Visit www.firewise.org for more information on how to prepare your home for a wildfire.
Get Ready for Wildfires
Homes in forested areas face the danger of wildfires, which can spread quickly and change direction rapidly.
Before an Wildfire
During a Wildfire
- Follow instructions of local officials. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately and monitor local media and NOAA Weather Radio for the latest updates.
- Close doors and windows, but don’t lock them.
- Open or take down flammable curtains and close blinds and other non-flammable window coverings.
- Move flammable furniture into the center of the residence. Turn off air conditioning and close vents.
- Fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs or other large containers with water.
- Prop a ladder against the house for easy access to the roof.
- Disconnect any automatic garage door openers so that doors can still be opened by hand if the power goes out. Close all garage doors.
- Turn on outside lights and leave a light on in every room. This makes your house more visible in the event of heavy smoke.