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Planning for an Evacuation

By Chris Livingston

Home Inspector with Pillar To Post

August 24, 2010 03:48 AM

With all the forest fires going on in our neck of the woods I thought I'd post some tips to help prepare for an evacuation.

Use care when driving as smoke may hinder your visibility. Have an alternate route in mind in case your primary route is closed!

IF ADVISED TO EVACUATE, DO SO IMMEDIATELY! You may have only minutes to act. Save yourself and those with you.

Listen Regularly for Updates
	What do I do? Listen regularly to local radio or television stations for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of local officials.
	Why? Local officials will be able to advise you of the safest escape route, which may be different than you expect. If you believe the fire is too close to your location, evacuate immediately. The fire may move too fast for officials to issue evacuation notifications.

Check your Preparedness Kit
	What do I do? Collect your kit items: tools, food, water, appropriate clothes and other items noted here.
	Why? During an extended evacuation situation you may need to rely on what you have with you.

Pack & Back Car into Garage
	What do I do? Pack valuables, medicine, computers and records. Back car into garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut the car doors and roll up the windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors. Remove all obstacles to a quick escape.
	Why? It's important to be organized as conditions may change quickly. Have a plan. Know the location of your keys. Lock the property before you leave as you normally would.

Confine Pets to One Room
	What do I do? Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate. If you are using a trailer to evacuate your animals, evacuate early rather than waiting.
	Why? Pets may try to run if they feel threatened by fire. Keeping them inside and in one room will allow you to find them quickly if you need to leave. Leaving early with a trailer will allow you more time to maneuver through slow traffic and thick smoke.

Make Contact Outside the Area
	What do I do? Call or contact a friend or relative outside the threatened area. Keep this person updated on your status especially if you decide to evacuate.
	Why? Having a place to take refuge in some-one's home is better than a public shelter. Plus, many shelters do not allow pets.

Reduce your Risk

What do I do? If you are sure you have time, take steps to reduce the chance of your home catching fire or lessen the amount of damage from a nearby fire.

•	Shut off gas at the meter only if advised to do so by local officials. If you have a propane tank system, turn off the valves on the system. Leave the valves closed until the propane supplier inspects your system once the danger has passed.
•	Open fireplace dampers. Close fireplace screens.
•	Close windows, vents, doors, blinds, noncombustible window coverings and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight drapes and curtains.
•	Move combustible furniture into the center of the home away from windows.
•	Close all doors and windows inside the home to prevent draft.
•	Place valuables that will not be damaged by water in a pool or pond.
•	Place sprinklers up to 50 feet (15 meters) away from structures.
•	Seal attic and ground vents with precut plywood or commercial seals.
•	Remove combustible items from around the home and outdoors.
•	Connect garden hose(s) to outside tap(s).
•	Gather fire tools (shovels, hoes, hoses).

Why? Taking simple steps may help you protect your property:

Check on Others you Know in the Area
	What do I do? Check on the status and condition of relatives, neighbors, friends and companion animals in the threatened area.
	Why? Teamwork can be the key to saving your property or a life. Pass on this advice to your friends and neighbors.

Read the checklists for During and After. The checklists on the left provide tips on how to react during and after the event. These tips can help to further reduce property damage and injury. For more details, see our WeatherSafe^TM page.