REV it up!The Fires have started

FIRE: Life and Property Part 1 of 2 The Wildfires last year caused quite a bit of loss. The brush is already drying up in 2008. The risk this year is greater than the last. We learned a lot. I will be sending 2 emails- you may add, copy and send any of this information to your friends and loved ones...

Part 1 LIFE Be prepared for the safety of your Family and pets. 

Always be prepared for a fire, Earthquake or Flood in California. You may not get home to retrieve your belongings with road closures.

Take a home Inventory, pictures, back  up your computer. Keep the software with you or in a safety Deposit Box. If you have a Fire Safe, make sure it is also waterproof. 

Have the Fire Department come and access your home. Plan and practice a safe evacuation in case of emergency with your family, with a meeting point outside of the area. A local school might be in the evacuation area.  There can be road closures, even if you are not in the Fire Zone.

Keep a fire break around your home of a minimum of 100 feet. No unclear brush, overhanging trees or fuel that can burn. This Includes Teak, Cloth Patio Umbrellas and furniture.

Keep your drains clear and check annually- . If you have Fire Sprinklers, have them checked at least every 5 years and be sure they are not leaking and in good repair. Find out where your gas shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off. Check batteries and be sure all Smoke Alarms are in working Order.

Power outages: check your batteries, keep flash lights handy in your Home and Auto. Back up your computer files, have extra water on hand, keep some CASH with you and if you take prescription medicine, keep extra medication- your local pharmacy and business's are most likely to be closed. Business's shut down to save energy for the emergency crews. Keep cell phone numbers of your neighbors, not their home numbers with you. Keep critical medical information and allergies in your wallet for you and your children.

Emergency Supplies in your car. A Jacket, Gloves, Walking Shoes, Flash light and Water. In the winter, keep a shovel in your car. Don't forget gas at all times. The Military were evacuating homes from Fallbrook all the way up to El Toro last year. Several families arrived at the evacuation centers without gas to get home or ended up on the sides of the road impeding traffic. If you have a lap-top and internet card, you can get AC anywhere to keep in your car along with your lighter cell phone charger.

Many pets are lost in emergency situations. Keep plenty of water available at all times. You may not be able to get to them. More Pets Die due to dehydration when they can't be reached at evacuation. Have a micro chip placed in your dogs and cats. These microchips are checked at the Shelters. Often in danger, pets are released from homes by our Fire Fighters. Don't just rely on a collar. I found some wonderful folding pet carriers that I keep in my car. It's a good Idea to check out the Internet for pet friendly hotels if you are able to get your pets. The Evacuation centers do not allow pets. 

Keep the 24 hour emergency # of your Home Insurance on your cell phone. Most policies include emergency cash for lodging and meals in case of mandatory evacuation.

Next: Part 2  Property