Article sponsored by Davis Auto Body and Kaila Brooks, Realtor
By Scott Limpus
May 27, 2019
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and soon this cool and damp weather will give way to warmer temperatures and increased fire risk. 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, we reviewed how to prepare yourself and your home for the possibility of having to evacuate. In Part 4 we talked about how to create a Wildfire Action Plan that includes evacuation planning for your home, family and pets. In Part 5 we shared how to assemble an Emergency Supply Kit for each person in your household. Next is to fill out a Family Communication Plan that includes important evacuation and contact information.
Family Communication Plan
Evacuation plans for families with young children should include helping toddlers understand how to quickly respond in case of fire, and how adults can escape with babies. Prepare ahead of time by practicing your family’s fire escape plan, and what to do to be safe when there is a wildfire nearby.
It is important to talk to toddlers and small children at a level that they understand and that does not frighten. Here are a few resources that offer guides and tips for families with young children about fire safety and preparing for a disaster:
• A Parent’s Guide to Fire Safety for Babies and Toddlers: The U.S. Fire Administration’s information site for parents and caregivers to help prevent fire death of young children.
• Let’s Get Ready! Planning Together for Emergencies: Sesame Workshop campaign with tips, activities, and other easy tools to help the whole family prepare for emergencies.
• Ready.gov Kids: FEMA’s site for older kids to prepare and plan for a disaster. Includes safety steps, tips, and games to help children learn about and be ready for an emergency.
• Smokey Kids: U.S. Forest Service’s interactive Smokey Bear site with games, information and resources on how to prevent forest fires.
Preparing Seniors and Disabled Family Members
Seniors and people with disabilities also need special consideration when preparing for a disaster. Below are several resources that help individuals and families with special needs plan and prepare for an event such as a wildfire.
• Special Populations Fire-Safe Checklist: U.S. Fire Administration’s fire safety guide for individuals with special needs to help them protect themselves and their home from fire.
• Disaster Preparedness for Senior by Seniors: The American Red Cross booklet designed by and for older adults to prepare them for a sudden emergency.
• Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities: American Red Cross Disaster Services booklet with information and resources to help people with physical, visual, auditory, or cognitive disabilities design a personal disaster plan.
• Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities and Other Vulnerable Populations: Inclusive Preparedness Center website with information and resources for emergency planning.
• Disability.gov Personal Preparedness Guide: Resource site for people with disabilities that gives information on necessary supplies, evacuation procedures and how to assist pets and service animals in the event of a disaster.
In the next article we will discuss the next step in the READY SET GO! Campaign, being financially prepared for a wildfire.
