Before, During, and After a Wildfire

What to do during, before and after a wildfire.

What to do BEFORE a Wildfire

Create defensible space to separate your home from flammable vegetation and materials (minimum 30 ft)
Adhere to all local fire and building codes and weed abatement ordinances.
Keep all trees and shrub limbs trimmed so they do not come into contact with electrical wires or overhang your chimney (Do not trim around power lines yourself, call a professional).
Prune all lower branches 8 feet from the ground.
Keep trees adjacent to buildings free of dead or dying branches.
Stack firewood away from your home and other buildings (Keep clearance around your piles).
Keep roof surfaces clear of pine needles, leaves and debris at all times.
Clean chimneys and check and maintain spark arresters twice a year.
Keep rain gutters clear of debris at all times.
Use approved fire resistant materials when building, renovating or retrofitting structures.
Be sure your house numbers show clearly from the street, both day and night.
Store combustible or flammable materials in approved containers.
Store all important papers in a fireproof container or keep copies at another location.
Make evacuation plans with family members. Include several options with an outside meeting place and contact person. Practice regularly.
Keep battery operated radios and flashlights with additional fresh batteries on hand.

Turn on a TV or radio to get the latest emergency information.
If you have a ladder, prop it against the house so you and firefighters have access to roof.
If hoses and adequate water are available set them up. Fill buckets with water.
Remove combustible material from the area surrounding the house (lawn chairs, tables, etc.).
Turn a light on in each room for visibility in case of smoke.
Open or take down flammable drapes and curtains.
Close all venetian blinds and non-flammable window coverings.
Move upholstered furniture away from windows and sliding glass doors.
Be ready to evacuate all family members and pets when requested to do so.
Turn off air conditioning/air circulation systems
Detach electrical garage doors. Back in your car and leave the keys in the ignition.
Secure your pets if possible.

Check with fire officials before attempting to return to your home.
Use caution when re-entering a burned area - flare ups can occur.
Check grounds for hot spots, smoldering stumps and vegetation. Use your buckets of water.
Check the roof and exterior areas for sparks and embers.
Check the attic and throughout the house for hidden burning, sparks and embers.
Continue to check for problem areas for several days.
Contact 911 if any danger is perceived.