08/03/2018
Fires seem to be all around us, and it’s not inconceivable that one could happen in our community.
These checklists were passed on from a couple of firemen, and I thought they were worth reviewing and keeping handy.
🔥🔥 HOME EVACUATION CHECKLIST - HOW TO PREPARE FOR EVACUATION
INSIDE the House:
▪️Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked.
▪️ Remove flammable window shades, curtains and close metal shutters.
▪️ Remove lightweight curtains.
▪️ Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
▪️ Shut off gas at the meter; turn off pilot lights.
▪️ Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions.
▪️ Shut off the air conditioning.
OUTSIDE:
▪️ Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.) or place them in your pool.
▪️ Turn off propane tanks.
▪️ Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.
▪️ Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Fill water buckets and place them around the house.
▪️ Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running, they can affect critical water pressure.
▪️ Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness of night.
▪️ Put your Emergency Supply Kit in your vehicle.
▪️ Back your car into the driveway with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you.
▪️ Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof.
▪️ Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
▪️ Patrol your property and monitor the fire situation. Don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened.
▪️ Check on neighbors and make sure they are preparing to leave.
Animals
▪️ Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
▪️ Prepare farm animals for transport and think about moving them to a safe location early.
EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT CHECKLIST
▪️ Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person.
▪️ Map marked with at least two evacuation routes
▪️ Prescriptions or special medications
▪️ Change of clothing
▪️ Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
▪️ An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks
▪️ First aid kit
▪️ Flashlight
▪️ Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
▪️ Sanitation supplies
▪️ Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
▪️ Don’t forget pet food and water!
Items to take if time allows:
▪️ Easily carried valuables
▪️ Family photos and other irreplaceable items
▪️ Personal computer information on hard drives and disks
▪️ Chargers for cell phones, laptops, etc.
