If you live in a heavily wooded area, it doesn't take much for a fire to spread from treetop to treetop. Long before the emergency evacuation crew knocks at your door, here are a few things you can do to protect your family and your belongings:
Getaway bag: When evacuation is necessary, the time is short, so have some essential items in a duffel bag placed near your main entrance. If one of your family members is not home when disaster strikes, you will be able to gather up what is important for them as well. Things for the bag would be your important documents, or copies of them, and any prescription medications that you or your family require. Nice-to-haves include toiletries, electronics, etc.
Important Data: Back up your data on an external hard drive automatically, so that if you need to leave in a hurry, you can just grab the drive, and have more time to get other irreplaceable items.
Don't forget dangers from above: Overhead power lines could be attached to your home, so keep them free of any debris or vegetation and be sure trees are not near to them. Fires can bring down trees, but a wind storm can do the same thing.
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.
Prevention is best: People who are not careful are the cause of half of the wild fires each year. 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.
Camp fires are not a good idea when the forest is bone-dry, and smoking is never a good idea. Never discard of a burning cigarette our of your car window. Cigarettes can cause a fire in the grass as it smoulders away.
If there is any extra vegetation near your house, clear it away. And try to use fireproof materials in the construction of your home, whenever possible. This could include fire resistant shingles, tempered glass windows, a spark arrestor on your chimney. Taking these steps may even reduce your home insurance rate.
A prepared evacuation plan is essential. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do. You'll need to prepare an emergency kit. This should include non-perishable foods and at least a three-day supply of drinking water. You should also include a first-aid kit, a flashlight and batteries, and a portable radio.
You can slow down a fire that is coming your way by having containers like garbage cans filled with water, as well as a pool or hot tub. If an official evacuation order is handed down, don't take chances, leave the home immediately It's always a good idea to make sure your house numbers are visible, and preferably made of fireproof materials. This will help firefighters locate your home quickly.
Call 911 immediately if you see any signs that a wildfire is forming.
Having adequate home insurance is even more important when you live in an area that is more susceptible to wildfires. You really don't want to be without protection if a wildfire was to destroy your home, so be sure that you're fully insured against that.
Getaway bag: When evacuation is necessary, the time is short, so have some essential items in a duffel bag placed near your main entrance. If one of your family members is not home when disaster strikes, you will be able to gather up what is important for them as well. Things for the bag would be your important documents, or copies of them, and any prescription medications that you or your family require. Nice-to-haves include toiletries, electronics, etc.
Important Data: Back up your data on an external hard drive automatically, so that if you need to leave in a hurry, you can just grab the drive, and have more time to get other irreplaceable items.
Don't forget dangers from above: Overhead power lines could be attached to your home, so keep them free of any debris or vegetation and be sure trees are not near to them. Fires can bring down trees, but a wind storm can do the same thing.
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.
Prevention is best: People who are not careful are the cause of half of the wild fires each year. 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.
Camp fires are not a good idea when the forest is bone-dry, and smoking is never a good idea. Never discard of a burning cigarette our of your car window. Cigarettes can cause a fire in the grass as it smoulders away.
If there is any extra vegetation near your house, clear it away. And try to use fireproof materials in the construction of your home, whenever possible. This could include fire resistant shingles, tempered glass windows, a spark arrestor on your chimney. Taking these steps may even reduce your home insurance rate.
A prepared evacuation plan is essential. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do. You'll need to prepare an emergency kit. This should include non-perishable foods and at least a three-day supply of drinking water. You should also include a first-aid kit, a flashlight and batteries, and a portable radio.
You can slow down a fire that is coming your way by having containers like garbage cans filled with water, as well as a pool or hot tub. If an official evacuation order is handed down, don't take chances, leave the home immediately It's always a good idea to make sure your house numbers are visible, and preferably made of fireproof materials. This will help firefighters locate your home quickly.
Call 911 immediately if you see any signs that a wildfire is forming.
Having adequate home insurance is even more important when you live in an area that is more susceptible to wildfires. You really don't want to be without protection if a wildfire was to destroy your home, so be sure that you're fully insured against that.
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