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Fallbrook FireSafe Council

Preparedness

Wildfire: Are You Prepared?

The Fire Environment

Fire experts have long-recognized three basic components of the fire environment: weather, fuel and terrain (things that burn). Together these three items affect the likelihood of fire starting, how fast it moves, its power and difficulty to control.

Weather
Dry, hot and windy weather increases the likelihood of a major wildfire. These conditions:
--make ignition easier
--help fuels burn more rapidly
--increase fire intensity

High windspeeds can transform a small, easily controlled fire into a catastrophic event.

Fuel
Fuel is required for any fire to burn. In a wildfire fuels are usually living vegetation (trees, shrubs, brush, grass) and dead plant materials (dead trees, dried grass, fallen branches, etc.). Homes in the path of a wildfire can also become fuel. Quantity, size, moisture content, arrangement of fuel characteristics influence the ease of ignition, rate of fire spread, length of flames and other fire behavior.

Terrain
Of the topographic features, steepness of slope is among the most influential on fire behavior. The steeper the slope, the faster a fire will spread. Other important factors are:
--"aspect," south and southwest slopes usually have more fires
--chimneys, steep, narrow drainage.

Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten your area. Follow the steps listed below to protect your family, home, and property.

Plan Your Water Needs

Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source such as a small pond, cistern, well, swimming pool, or hydrant.
Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.
Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other structures on the property. Install additional outlets at least 50 feet from the home.
Consider obtaining a portable gasoline-powered pump in case electrical power is cut off.

Emergency Supplies

When wildfire threatens, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, dufflebags, or trash containers.

Include:

A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler's checks.
Sanitation supplies.
Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
An extra pair of eyeglasses.
Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.

Plan How Your Family Will Stay in Contact if Separated by Disaster

Pick two meeting places:
1. A place a safe distance from your home in case of a home fire.
2. A place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
Choose an out-of-state friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call.

If Advised to Evacuate, Do So Immediately

Wear protective clothing--sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.
Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
Lock your home.
Tell someone when you left and where you are going.
Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

If You Have Time, Help Protect Your Home

Inside:

Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings, and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.
Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding-glass doors.
Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.

Outside:

Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
Turn off propane tanks.
Place combustible patio furniture inside.
Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
Set up the portable gasoline-powered pump.
Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof.
Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.
Gather fire tools.

Create a Family Disaster Plan

Contact our local Red Cross chapter

Find out about the hazards in our community.
Ask how you would be warned.
Find out how to prepare for each type of disaster.

Meet With Your Family

Discuss the types of disasters that could occur.
Explain how to prepare and respond to each type of disaster.
Discuss where to go and what to bring if advised to evacuate.
Practice what you have discussed.

Plan How Your Family Will Stay in Contact if Separated by Disaster

Pick two meeting places:
1. A place a safe distance from your home in case of a home fire.
2. A place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
Choose an out-of-state friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call.

Complete These Steps

Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone.
Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at main switches.
Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.
Learn first aid and CPR. Contact our local American Red Cross chapter for information and training.

Fallbrook Is Not Fire Proof,
Let's Make Fallbrook FireSafe

The information presented in this web site is believed to be accurate and of practical value in preparing for fire disasters, but no guarantee can be given that guidance presented here will provide complete protection.

Liability for any losses that may occur in a fire, or as a result of applying the information contained in this web site is specifically disclaimed by the Fallbrook FireSafe Council. Please use your own judgment in fire safety and consult the appropriate organizations listed below for specific information.

North County Fire District, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection, San Diego FireSafe Council

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