How to Prepare for an Evacuation

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO urges you to Get Out and Stay Out during a fire!

Due to the recent devastating fires, it's best to be prepared in case of an evacuation. An evacuation can require immediate action. Here are a couple of steps from the CAL FIRE Ready for Wildfire, that can help you.

How to prepare for an 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.
• Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof.
• Patrol your property and monitor the fire situation. Don't wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened.

Animals

• Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
• Prepare farm animals for transport and think about moving them to a safe location early.