Written by Tracey Petersen
FROM BLYTHE: We received a reverse 911 ADVISORY EVACUATION call late this afternoon. We are using this evening to determine what to pack up and load in the car ready to leave tomorrow if it proves necessary.
Things to remember:
- medications
- important documents
- treasured photos
- items of importance
- photograph albums
- your spouse if applicable
- personal phone book
Pre-Evacuation Preparation Steps
When an
evacuation is anticipated, follow these checklists (if time allows) to
give your home the best chance of surviving a wildfire:
Inside the House
- Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked. SHERIFF DISAGREES. LOCK UP.
- 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.
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.
*** For more information on emergency supplies and preparedness, visit www.Ready.gov. There is excellent information here under the titles. ***
Be safe tonight. And because we have had the advisory evacuation phone call, pull together your important documents and possessions.
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