Many areas in extreme fire danger

[view:node_ad=5]For the next few days, Santa Clarita will join several other cities in the southland in being under a red flag warning. The warning indicates a time when fire danger is at its most extreme. This is due to current weather conditions, which are bringing in low humidity and some strong winds.

Residents are urged to be extra careful with items that may cause a fire. Items like lit cigarettes should be extinguished properly and many areas will continue to require spark arresters on dirt bikes and other motorized machinery.

The warnings also come amid nationally recognized Fire Prevention Week. Earlier, Governor Schwarzenegger joined President Bush in pushing for fire prevention. He also ordered flags at the State Capitol and all state buildings to be flown at half staff for the week in honor of fallen firefighters from California.

"With most fire related deaths caused by home fires, it's important that not only children but also adults know their escape routes should their home catch fire," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "This week is about reminding families to plan together, practice together and know their way to safety."

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are working together to promote this year's theme, "Practice Your Escape Plan!"

Nationally in 2006, home fires accounted for 80 percent of all fire deaths, 2,600 people were killed and 12,500 were injured, according to NFPA reports.

According to a NFPA poll, the majority of Americans have a fire plan, but most haven't practiced their plan. Developing a fire escape plan before a fire strikes is just as important as practicing it at least twice a year.

CAL FIRE offers these tips to assist families in their home fire escape planning:

• Draw a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of every room.

• Create a family meeting place outside.

• Practice alternative escape routes with a realistic drill: pretend some exits are blocked by fire, lights are out or that some escape routes are filling with smoke.

• Use the back of your hand to test the door for heat. If you feel any warmth, use another escape route such as a window.

• Crawl low under smoke and don't go back into your home for any reason.

• If anyone is left behind, firefighters have the training, experience and protective equipment to safely rescue them.

For more fire escape planning and fire safety tips visit the CAL FIRE Web site at www.fire.ca.gov.