Your Home

• Follow all local building, fire, and hazard abatement codes.
• Install non-flammable screens with mesh one-half inch or less on chimneys.
• Keep roofs and rain gutters free of needles, leaves, or other debris.
• Enclose the underside of balconies and decks with fire-resistant material, such as aluminum decking.
• Enclose all roof eaves with fire resistant material, such as aluminum or steel, and place metal mesh over all attic or roof vents.
• Inspect and maintain chimneys and screens twice annually.
• Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms, and test them monthly.

Your Yard

• Clear the brush away from your home (a minimum of 30 feet - 200 feet).
• Trim all trees and tree branches away from electrical lines and chimneys. (Use a professional to trim near utilities and power lines.)
• Remove weak, dead, and leaning trees and bark beetle infested trees.
• Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home or other structures.
• Store all combustible or flammable liquids in approved storage containers.
• Locate all propane tanks at least 30 feet from any structure.

Emergency Access

• Ensure that your street is clearly marked and posted.
• Insure your house numbers are clearly visible, both day and night, from the street.
• Know at least two exit routes from your neighborhood in case of emergency.
• Make sure large emergency vehicles can access your property.

Plan for Evacuation:

• Develop and practice a home evacuation plan. Your plan should include:
  • A floor plan with all escape routes.
  • Easily accessible exits for young children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. (Locate their rooms as close to exits as possible.)
  • A list of valuables to take in an emergency. (Store them together in one location, if possible.)
  • Identify the most important papers to take if you have to leave, such as insurance policies, medical records, and driver’s license.
  • Take medications and eyeglasses.
  • A place to reunite after evacuation
  • The location of animal shelters or other sites that house pets.
  • Practice drills

Work with neighbors to assist:

• People with special needs.
• People who need transportation to other sites.

Work with local emergency officials to identify:

• Several routes out of your neighborhood.
• Likely evacuation sites or safe refuge areas.

When Wildfire Approaches:

• Listen to the radio or watch television for instructions.
• Evacuate as soon as directed by public safety officials or when danger is perceived.
• Park your vehicles facing the direction of escape with windows rolled up.
• Place your disaster kit and evacuation kit along with valuables and other essentials in your vehicle.
• Secure pets and livestock, and prepare them for evacuation.
• Leave your electricity on and leave inside lights on.
• If time permits, cover up by wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, goggles, cap, and bandana. 100% cotton is preferable.
• Close doors behind you when evacuating to slow down the flames, smoke, and heat.
• Help young children, seniors, and persons with disabilities to evacuate safely.