How to prepare for California wildfire season

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

In case of a wildfire ending up in your area... Be ready to leave quickly if asked to do so. Prepare everything now including emergency go-bags.

Fires can start and spread quickly. Many times you may have only minutes to grab necessities before you are in danger. A few years back during a local canyon fire, a client had a nearby hillside of brush on fire. She filled her arms with what she could but by the time she got to her car, the smoke was so thick and low, she struggled even making it to her car. Fortunately, she and her family made it to safety. But, sadly her beautiful home of eighteen years where she and her husband had raised their kids in burned to the ground. Since we live in a dry and windy climate, it is wise to fully prepare.

Prepare your home

• Clear surrounding areas of your yard so that it is free of debris, woodpiles, fallen leaves, twigs, and dead branches
• Keep rain gutters cleaned out
• Keep flammables away

Prepare your family

• Teach the family how to use a fire extinguisher and ensure that they know where it is stored
• Make a family emergency & evacuation plan
• Have an emergency go-bag ready
• Have emergency supplies on hand

Be prepared to leave quickly

• Recognize air-quality alerts & fire warnings
• Stay safe during a fire by evacuating immediately if authorities tell you to leave home
• Have your masks and sanitizer ready to go when sheltering at a public location or a friend’s home
• Use N95 masks or a respirator to protect yourselves against

Remember the 5 P’s of evacuation

People & Pets as a priority

Prescriptions, vision aids, power chords, first aid kit, and sanitization items

Papers including important documents, insurance papers, and contacts

Personal needs, clothes, shoes, food, water, cash, cards, and phones

Priceless items such as family photos or other sentimental valuables

After you return home, if soot, ash, or a strong smoke odor is present, we can help. Call our team out for a complimentary visual inspection at 626-960-9145