Preparing for an Emergency or Evacuation

PRE-EVACUATION PREPARATION STEPS

Recent natural disasters can inspire awareness and the importance of emergency preparedness. In our neighborhood the threat of a wildfire is real and one could start at any moment. Fire can move fast and unpredictably. Preparing for an evacuation should begin before there is any danger. Everyone should have individual and family evacuation plans in place. Emergency planning may be different for every family but there are common necessities and planning should include all members of the family. If your household is under voluntary or potential evacuations, begin to prepare your home and get ready to leave.

 Assemble an emergency supply kit

 
Having supplies for each member of your household is an important step for evacuation preparation. Cal Fire recommends having a three-day supply non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person. Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses, a seven-day supply of medications and copies of important documents are also important to pack

1. Place papers in sealed, waterproof plastic

2. Store in a durable, sealed box. (A portable,fireproof and waterproof box or waterproof backpack is recommended.)

3. Store box/backpack at home in a secure, easily accessible location.

   If you must evacuate:

   • Grab box and take with you.
   • Keep the box with you at all times.
   • Do not leave box unattended in your car.

What to include in your Grab & Go box

• Copies of important documents: Birth Certificates, Drivers licenses, passports, House Deeds and Titles, Birth, death, adoption, and marriage certificates,Wills and/or trust documents and other irreplaceable document.

• First two pages of previous year’s federal and state income tax returns

• Cash or traveler’s checks for several days living expenses.

• Back-up copies of computerized financial records

• Emergency phone numbers

• Employee-benefit documents.

• Copies of important health record and prescriptions: Copies of health, dental, and/or prescription insurance cards or numbers.

• Copies of children’s immunization records.

• Copies of auto, flood, renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policies (at least policy numbers).

• Home inventory. (document and take pictures of properties and possessions)

• Any sentimental  jewelry or photos (flash drive or CD is best)

 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.

• Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness of night.

• Put your Emergency Supply Kit in your vehicle.

• Back your car into the driveway with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you.

• Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof.

• Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.

• Patrol your property and monitor the fire situation. Don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened.

• Check on neighbors and make sure they are preparing to leave.

Animals

• Locate your pets and keep them nearby.

• Prepare farm animals for transport and think about moving them to a safe location early.

In the event of emergency Remember safety first. If you are well prepared in advance the evacuation process can be less stressful and scary.