Here we are again. Late August. With a heat wave. And too many fires to count around California.
How can you help prepare your home and yourself in case a fire is headed your way?
Let's start with you.
Prepare a "go" bag. Items you should include are: your medicines, valuables, i.e., important papers, jewelry and or family heirlooms. Have a plan in case there is a knock on the door and you have 10 minutes or less to evacuate.
Practice your escape plan so everyone in your household knows what to do.
Hopefully, you will have greater than 10 minutes and you can prepare your home a bit more. Here are a few helpful tips (and by no means is this a complete list).
Trim your tree branches 10 feet away from your roof and other trees, removing any dead branches.
Create a defensible space around your home by removing dead plants, grass and weeds.
Create a separation between trees, shrubs and items that could catch fire, such as patio furniture, swing sets, etc.
There are many more great suggestions on how to help prepare your home at readyforwildfire.org.
We know the fire season started early and it is not too late for you to be prepared. Please take a few minutes to sit with your family to discuss your strategy and practice your escape plan, so you are ready if you ever have a knock on your door.
