Wildfires start unexpectedly and move quickly and unpredictably, destroying everything in their path.
If fire is reported near your community:
- Place photos, vital records and small items of value in your car. Park your car facing the direction of escape.
- Clear a fire break around buildings.
- Shut gas off at the meter. (Only a qualified professional can safely turn the gas back on.)
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Leave the electricity on, especially if it powers a well.
- Turn on sprinklers. Wet down shrubs close to structures.
- Wet down roof and above-ground fuel tanks.
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Be alert to changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.
Prevention:
- Take care with flammables.
- Mow grass short. Rake leaves. Clear away refuse.
- Keep hay bales and firewood away from structures, electric lines, and rights-of-way.
- Allow your co-op to keep power lines and rights-of-way free of trees and shrubs.
- Trim dead or dormant shrubbery away from houses and other structures.
- Make a family evacuation plan.
- Have an inventory of home valuables in a fireproof box.