If Wildfires Present A Danger, Will You Know What To Do?
Fire? “It won’t happen here.” Well, things change and our thinking probably needs an update as well. It’s never too late to start planning and getting prepared, and right now is the perfect time. Here are some ideas, from the things you know, and the things you need to know.
Seeing or smelling smoke is dependent on wind and air currents. Smoke can travel and be visible in our area from other parts of California and from other states. It’s also worth reminding everyone that smoke alarms are required and needed no matter if you live in the city or the country. They can provide an early warning and save lives.
A Go-Bag is a good idea in case you don’t get much warning. Creating your Go-Bag doesn’t require a special purchase. It can be an old suitcase, a canvas bag, or other travel-type bag. (It should be made of a durable material and have handles. Paper grocery bags are NOT recommended). Consider including face masks or coverings, a 3-day supply of non-perishable food plus 3 gallons of water per person, and a local or regional map marked with at least two evacuation routes. Have change(s) of clothing. Don’t forget your prescriptions or special medications, extra eyeglasses or contact lenses, a small first-aid kit with essentials, flashlight, portable radio, and sanitation supplies. Have important documents (birth certificates and/or passports, and consider space (or a separate Go-bag) for your pets. Don’t forget to take your cell phone.
Learn about defensible space and home hardening and then determine if your home or property meets those standards. In short, any accumulation of vegetative debris, on any type of a roof, could be a place for fire to start and enable a fire to gain access into the structure.
If you have not already done so, sign up for emergency alerts on the Mendocino County sheriffs website (or Sonoma County). While you’re at it, sign up for CAL FIRE news releases.
If you believe or know a fire is a possible threat, the best response and to reach the most resources possible, simply call 9-1-1. When reporting a fire, be able to tell the dispatch the location of the fire—the address/street and cross street, a common place name i.e. “near Bower Park”—and describe what you see burning: "one tree", "a house", "a brick building", "some forest land", etc.
How fast a wildfire can travel is dependent on many factors: wind, topography, fuel type. With a fire that is 100 to 150 miles away it is unlikely to be a threat but it is always smart to be prepared and vigilant in case of fire. Any fire. More information is at ReadyForWildfire.org.
