Ready Set Go!

Photo: Skip Robinson/Vertical Magazine

Wildfires are now a year-round reality in Ventura County.

This means that both firefighters and residents have to be on heightened alert for the threat of wildfire at all times. Firefighters train hard and make countless preparations to face these important challenges, and residents should do the same. Successful preparation means doing all you can to make your home resistant to wildfires and prepare your family to leave safely and on short notice.

We call this process, “Ready, Set, Go!”, a program developed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and described below:

Get Ready

Engage OPFSC and our partners to perform an HIZ assessment of your home.

Create a Family Disaster Plan that includes meeting locations and communication plans and rehearse it regularly. Include in your plan the evacuation of large animals such as horses.
Have fire extinguishers on hand and train your family how to use them.
Ensure that your family knows where your gas, electric and water main shut-off controls are and how to use them.
Plan several different evacuation routes.
Designate an emergency meeting location outside the fire hazard area.
Assemble an emergency supply kit, and keep an extra emergency supply kit in your car in case fire prevents you from getting to your home.
Have a communication plan with emergency contact numbers of family members, and be sure to include an out-of-area contact person.
Have a portable radio or scanner so you can stay updated on the fire.

Get Set

Inside Checklist:

Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked.
Remove flammable window shades and lightweight curtains. Close metal shutters.
Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions.
Shut off the air conditioning.

Outside Checklist:

Gather up flammable items (e.g., patio furniture, children’s toys, doormats, etc.) from the exterior of the house and bring them inside or place them in your pool.
Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running – they can waste critical water pressure.
Leave exterior lights on.
Back your car into the driveway. Shut doors and roll up windows.
Have a ladder available.
Patrol your property and extinguish all small fires until you leave.
Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals if time permits.

You Are Trapped: Survival Tips

Shelter away from outside walls.
Bring garden hoses inside house so embers don’t destroy them.
Patrol inside your home for spot fires and extinguish them.
Wear long sleeves and long pants made of natural fibers such as cotton.
Stay hydrated.
Ensure you can exit the home if it catches fire (remember, if it’s hot inside the house, it is four to five times hotter outside).
Fill sinks and tubs for an emergency water supply.
Place wet towels under doors to keep smoke and embers out.
After the fire has passed, check your roof and extinguish any fires, sparks or embers.
Check inside the attic for hidden embers.
Patrol your property and extinguish small fires.
If there are fires that you cannot extinguish with a small amount of water or in a short period of time, call 9-1-1.

By leaving early, you give your family the best chance of surviving a wildfire. You also help firefighters by keeping roads clear of congestion, enabling them to move more freely and do their job.

When To Leave: Leave early enough to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. Don’t wait to be told by authorities to leave. In an intense wildfire, they may not have time to knock on every door. If you are advised to leave, don’t hesitate!
Where To Go: Leave to a predetermined location (it should be a low-risk area, such as a well-prepared neighbor or relative’s house, a Red Cross shelter or evacuation center, motel, etc.)
How To Get There: Have several travel routes in case one route is blocked by the fire or by emergency vehicles and equipment. Choose an escape route away from the fire.

CLICK HERE for detailed Emergency Preparedness Guide.