Before, During, and After a Wildfire

What to do BEFORE a Wildfire

• Create defensible space to separate your home from flammable vegetation and materials (minimum 30 ft)
• Adhere to all local fire and building codes and weed abatement ordinances.
• Keep all trees and shrub limbs trimmed so they do not come into contact with electrical wires or overhang your chimney (Do not trim around power lines yourself, call a professional).
• Prune all lower branches 8 feet from the ground.
• Keep trees adjacent to buildings free of dead or dying branches.
• Stack firewood away from your home and other buildings (Keep clearance around your piles).
• Keep roof surfaces clear of pine needles, leaves and debris at all times.
• Clean chimneys and check and maintain spark arresters twice a year.
• Keep rain gutters clear of debris at all times.
• Use approved fire resistant materials when building, renovating or retrofitting structures.
• Be sure your house numbers show clearly from the street, both day and night.
• Store combustible or flammable materials in approved containers.
• Store all important papers in a fireproof container or keep copies at another location.
• Make evacuation plans with family members. Include several options with an outside meeting place and contact person. Practice regularly.
• Keep battery operated radios and flashlights with additional fresh batteries on hand.

What to do DURING a Wildfire

• Turn on a TV or radio to get the latest emergency information.
• If you have a ladder, prop it against the house so you and firefighters have access to roof.
• If hoses and adequate water are available set them up. Fill buckets with water.
• Remove combustible material from the area surrounding the house (lawn chairs, tables, etc.).
• Turn a light on in each room for visibility in case of smoke.
• Open or take down flammable drapes and curtains.
• Close all venetian blinds and non-flammable window coverings.
• Move upholstered furniture away from windows and sliding glass doors.
• Be ready to evacuate all family members and pets when requested to do so.
• Turn off air conditioning/air circulation systems
• Detach electrical garage doors. Back in your car and leave the keys in the ignition.
• Secure your pets if possible.

What to do AFTER a Wildfire

• Check with fire officials before attempting to return to your home.
• Use caution when re-entering a burned area - flare ups can occur.
• Check grounds for hot spots, smoldering stumps and vegetation. Use your buckets of water.
• Check the roof and exterior areas for sparks and embers.
• Check the attic and throughout the house for hidden burning, sparks and embers.
• Continue to check for problem areas for several days.
• Contact 911 if any danger is perceived.