The spreading of fire from one tree to another happens in almost no time when the forest is thick. Taking some of these precautions will keep you and your family safer, as well as your home, before the evacuation crews order you to leave:
Have a getaway bag prepared: You may not get a lot of time, so having a gym bag packed with essentials in the front hall closet will ensure you have what you need. In a case where some of your family is away, this will allow you to safeguard their most important possessions. Things for the bag would be your important documents, or copies of them, and any prescription medications that you or your family require. It would make this tough time easier if you have toiletries and electronics ready to go as well.
Data: It would be wise for you to automatically back up your data on an external hard drive, so that you don't find yourself trying to unplug your desktop and lug it with you while running out the door.
Keep an eye up high: For those who have power lines, always be certain that there is nothing touching them, and that trees are not allowed to be too close. Heavy winds can bring down trees, as well as fire.
Create a zone of protection: If you can ensure the area within 10 metres of your home is free of trees, flammable vegetation and other combustibles, you'll go a long way towards protecting your home.
Only you can prevent forest fires: Close to 50% of wild fires are caused by human carelessness. Whether it's a campfire that isn't completely out, or a controlled burn that gets out of control or a cigarette thrown from a window, a single spark can trigger a massive disaster.
If the weather is extremely dry, it's a bad idea to build a camp fire. Never discard of a burning cigarette our of your car window. Cigarettes can cause a fire in the grass as it smoulders away.
Keep your property clear of excess vegetation. Be certain to choose fireproof building materials when building a home, if you can. This could include fire resistant shingles, tempered glass windows, a spark arrestor on your chimney. Not only do these things keep you safer, they will likely end up saving you money on your home insurance.
Take the time to create a detailed evacuation procedure. Go over it with everyone in your household so that they are prepared. And do keep an emergency kit on hand. This should include non-perishable foods and at least a three-day supply of drinking water. Other helpful items include a portable radio, a flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
If you have a hot tub or pool, keep them filled with water, as well as garbage cans or other kinds of containers. When evacuation is ordered by an authority, take it seriously and evacuate right away. It's always a good idea to make sure your house numbers are visible, and preferably made of fireproof materials. Firefighters will find your house much more quickly if you take that precaution.
And of course, call 911 if you see any sign of a wildfire.
Having adequate home insurance is even more important when you live in an area that is more susceptible to wildfires. A wildfire could strike at any time, so be sure that your home insurance is adequate, so that if a tragedy occurs and your home is lost, you can have it rebuilt without losing everything.
Have a getaway bag prepared: You may not get a lot of time, so having a gym bag packed with essentials in the front hall closet will ensure you have what you need. In a case where some of your family is away, this will allow you to safeguard their most important possessions. Things for the bag would be your important documents, or copies of them, and any prescription medications that you or your family require. It would make this tough time easier if you have toiletries and electronics ready to go as well.
Data: It would be wise for you to automatically back up your data on an external hard drive, so that you don't find yourself trying to unplug your desktop and lug it with you while running out the door.
Keep an eye up high: For those who have power lines, always be certain that there is nothing touching them, and that trees are not allowed to be too close. Heavy winds can bring down trees, as well as fire.
Create a zone of protection: If you can ensure the area within 10 metres of your home is free of trees, flammable vegetation and other combustibles, you'll go a long way towards protecting your home.
Only you can prevent forest fires: Close to 50% of wild fires are caused by human carelessness. Whether it's a campfire that isn't completely out, or a controlled burn that gets out of control or a cigarette thrown from a window, a single spark can trigger a massive disaster.
If the weather is extremely dry, it's a bad idea to build a camp fire. Never discard of a burning cigarette our of your car window. Cigarettes can cause a fire in the grass as it smoulders away.
Keep your property clear of excess vegetation. Be certain to choose fireproof building materials when building a home, if you can. This could include fire resistant shingles, tempered glass windows, a spark arrestor on your chimney. Not only do these things keep you safer, they will likely end up saving you money on your home insurance.
Take the time to create a detailed evacuation procedure. Go over it with everyone in your household so that they are prepared. And do keep an emergency kit on hand. This should include non-perishable foods and at least a three-day supply of drinking water. Other helpful items include a portable radio, a flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
If you have a hot tub or pool, keep them filled with water, as well as garbage cans or other kinds of containers. When evacuation is ordered by an authority, take it seriously and evacuate right away. It's always a good idea to make sure your house numbers are visible, and preferably made of fireproof materials. Firefighters will find your house much more quickly if you take that precaution.
And of course, call 911 if you see any sign of a wildfire.
Having adequate home insurance is even more important when you live in an area that is more susceptible to wildfires. A wildfire could strike at any time, so be sure that your home insurance is adequate, so that if a tragedy occurs and your home is lost, you can have it rebuilt without losing everything.
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