How to Prepare for Fires In California

California fires are becoming severe and these natural disasters are becoming a seasonal terror in this great state.  When they happen, those in danger zones have little to no time to evacuate and some people don’t know what to do and are not as prepared as the should be.  If you get caught in an area where you need to evacuate here’s what you need to do just in case you do.

First, have a plan. If you get evacuated, know where you are going to stay, whether it be at a hotel or a family or friend’s house. Always have a ‘Bug Out Bag’ ready with food, water, batteries, a hand-cranked radio, flashlights, and any other necessities, these can be used in case of most emergencies, like earthquakes or power outages, not just fires. Keep your most valuable items packed and ready to go, should you have to leave quickly, and make sure everyone in your family knows what the plan entails.

If possible, keep the walkways of your house clear of objects that could restrict you from exiting. Make a floor plan with your family of where to go and what to do in a situation where you have to think quick on your feet. If you have any animals, make sure you can get them out of the house too, and you have a plan should an emergency happen when they are home alone. Is there someone who could grab your dog or cat that lives nearby? You might not have much warning before  Fire Fighters tell you to evacuate. Many fires have been impacting communities in the middle of the night making it difficult to see especially if the power is out. So having what you need staged and ready is vital. We never know when an earthquake is going to happen, but fires are more likely in specific conditions, high winds and dry weather.

If you are being evacuated, that means you need to leave. By staying behind you are putting others’ lives at risk should they have to enter your home to save you. Once you are out don’t go back in for pictures, furniture, etc. Your life is more important. If you end up in a situation where you have to get evacuated, don’t go back, the authorities will inform you if it is safe to return, but make sure you have ID with your current address should they check to make sure you are the resident when returning. The easiest way to make sure you have what you need when you evacuate is to be prepared.  Doing so will save you a lot of heartache.

The essential part of this is for you and your family to stay safe, but it’s always better to be prepared.

The California Fire Department recommends that when you prepare, you remember the 6P’s.

People, Papers, Prescriptions, Pictures, Personal Computer, and Plastic.

People and Pets are obviously the most important, but so are your important and non-replaceable documents. Keeping your prescriptions with you will ensure that you are not impacting your health in the event of an evacuation. Pictures, Personal Computers, and Plastic are all important, but in our digital world, most people bank online, your photos are on your social media accounts, and your phone is essentially a computer. All these items will be helpful, and many photos are momentos that cannot be replaced, but take caution and make sure you really need them before you put your life in danger to pack them up.