Article sponsored by Davis Auto Body and Kaila Brooks, Realtor
Article by Scott Limpus
May 20, 2019
Don’t let the weather fool you, fire season is still on its way. The San Bernardino County Fire Department (SBCoFD) and California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection’s (CalFire) READY! SET! GO! Campaign addresses three key areas that residents should address before a fire starts.
To get ready, in Part 1 of this series we discussed creating a defensible space around our homes. In Part 2, we looked at the steps needed to harden your home. In Part 3, will learned about some of the vegetation that homeowners can plant that will make their property more fire resistant.
To get set, in Part 4 we reviewed how to prepare yourself and your home for the possibility of having to evacuate. There are three main preparation actions that should be completed and familiar to all members of your household long in advance of a wildfire.
1) Create a Wildfire Action Plan that includes evacuation planning for your home, family and pets.
2) Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit for each person in your household.
3) Fill-out a Family Communication Plan that includes important evacuation and contact information.
Now that you have created a Wildfire Action Plan, the next step on Getting Set is assembling an Emergency Supply Kits.
ASSEMBLE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
Put together your emergency supply kit long before a wildfire or other disaster occurs and keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate. Plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time. Each person should have a readily accessible emergency supply kit. Backpacks work great for storing these items (except food and water) and are quick to grab. Storing food and water in a tub or chest on wheels will make it easier to transport. Keep it light enough to be able to lift it into your car.
EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT CHECKLIST
Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person.
Map marked with at least two evacuation routes
Prescriptions or special medications
Change of clothing
Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks
First aid kit
Flashlight
Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
Sanitation supplies
Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
Don’t forget pet food and water!
Items to take if time allows:
Easily carried valuables
Family photos and other irreplaceable items
Personal computer information on hard drives and disks
Chargers for cell phones, laptops, etc.
Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.
For more information on emergency supplies, visit http://www.ready.gov/
In the next article, we will discuss the next step in the READY SET GO! Campaign, creating a Family Communication Plan that includes important evacuation and contact information.
