Everyone in California knows about wildfire. It is never to early to start thinking about the next one. Here are a few tips.
Become familiar with your community’s disaster preparedness plans and create a plan for your family. Identify escape routes from your home and neighborhood and designate an emergency meeting place for your family to reunite if you become separated.
• Use fire resistant materials for roof and home construction.
• Keep wood piles at least 30 feet from your home.
• Create a 100 foot safety zone around your home.
• Prune trees within 15 feet of any chimney outlet.
• Follow local ordinances when burning yard waste. Avoid backyard burning in windy conditions, and keep a shovel, water, and fire retardant nearby to keep fires in check. Remove all flammables from your yard when burning.
• Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.
• Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.
• Keep roofs and gutters clean and free from debris.
• Have a ladder that reaches your roof.
• Have an extra-long hose.
• Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.