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Fires very quickly spread from tree to tree in dense forest. Long before the emergency evacuation crew knocks at your door, here are a few things you can do to protect your family and your belongings:
Have a getaway bag prepared: You may not get a lot of time, so having a gym bag packed with essentials in the front hall closet will ensure you have what you need. In a case where some of your family is away, this will allow you to safeguard their most important possessions. Copies of your important documents, and life saving prescription drugs should be included in your bag. Nice-to-haves include toiletries, electronics, etc.
Data: It would be wise for you to automatically back up your data on an external hard drive, so that you don't find yourself trying to unplug your desktop and lug it with you while running out the door.
Don't forget dangers from above: Overhead power lines could be attached to your home, so keep them free of any debris or vegetation and be sure trees are not near to them. Trees fall down, not only in fires, but in wind storms as well.
Build a protective zone: A 10 metre area around your home should be free of any flammable objects, so clear away any dead vegetation, trees, or other refuse.
Take steps to prevent fire: Around half of wild fires are actually the doing of a careless person. An extremely dangerous and costly forest fire can come from any spark, from a cigarette butt, a careless camper, or even a controlled burn that is done improperly.
Camp fires are not a good idea when the forest is bone-dry, and smoking is never a good idea. It's shocking, but some people throw burning cigarettes from their vehicle even today, don't be one of those people. Cigarettes can cause a fire in the grass as it smoulders away.
If there is any extra vegetation near your house, clear it away. Your home should be constructed from materials that are fireproof or fire resistant, if you have those options. Some ways to do this are to install tempered glass windows, a spark arrestor on the chimney, and fire resistant shingles. Your home insurance premiums can also be reduced by taking precautions like these.
Have an evacuation plan ready. Review the plans with your family in the household so they understand the procedure. You'll need to prepare an emergency kit. The kit must have a minimum of 3 days drinking water, and some foods that are non-perishable. You should also include a first-aid kit, a flashlight and batteries, and a portable radio.
Fill any large containers, such as pools, hot tubs, or garbage cans with water to slow down an approaching fire. Evacuate your home immediately, if ordered by a civil authority. It's always a good idea to make sure your house numbers are visible, and preferably made of fireproof materials. Firefighters will find your house much more quickly if you take that precaution.
Call 911 immediately if you see any signs that a wildfire is forming.
Having adequate home insurance is even more important when you live in an area that is more susceptible to wildfires. A wildfire could strike at any time, so be sure that your home insurance is adequate, so that if a tragedy occurs and your home is lost, you can have it rebuilt without losing everything.
Have a getaway bag prepared: You may not get a lot of time, so having a gym bag packed with essentials in the front hall closet will ensure you have what you need. In a case where some of your family is away, this will allow you to safeguard their most important possessions. Copies of your important documents, and life saving prescription drugs should be included in your bag. Nice-to-haves include toiletries, electronics, etc.
Data: It would be wise for you to automatically back up your data on an external hard drive, so that you don't find yourself trying to unplug your desktop and lug it with you while running out the door.
Don't forget dangers from above: Overhead power lines could be attached to your home, so keep them free of any debris or vegetation and be sure trees are not near to them. Trees fall down, not only in fires, but in wind storms as well.
Build a protective zone: A 10 metre area around your home should be free of any flammable objects, so clear away any dead vegetation, trees, or other refuse.
Take steps to prevent fire: Around half of wild fires are actually the doing of a careless person. An extremely dangerous and costly forest fire can come from any spark, from a cigarette butt, a careless camper, or even a controlled burn that is done improperly.
Camp fires are not a good idea when the forest is bone-dry, and smoking is never a good idea. It's shocking, but some people throw burning cigarettes from their vehicle even today, don't be one of those people. Cigarettes can cause a fire in the grass as it smoulders away.
If there is any extra vegetation near your house, clear it away. Your home should be constructed from materials that are fireproof or fire resistant, if you have those options. Some ways to do this are to install tempered glass windows, a spark arrestor on the chimney, and fire resistant shingles. Your home insurance premiums can also be reduced by taking precautions like these.
Have an evacuation plan ready. Review the plans with your family in the household so they understand the procedure. You'll need to prepare an emergency kit. The kit must have a minimum of 3 days drinking water, and some foods that are non-perishable. You should also include a first-aid kit, a flashlight and batteries, and a portable radio.
Fill any large containers, such as pools, hot tubs, or garbage cans with water to slow down an approaching fire. Evacuate your home immediately, if ordered by a civil authority. It's always a good idea to make sure your house numbers are visible, and preferably made of fireproof materials. Firefighters will find your house much more quickly if you take that precaution.
Call 911 immediately if you see any signs that a wildfire is forming.
Having adequate home insurance is even more important when you live in an area that is more susceptible to wildfires. A wildfire could strike at any time, so be sure that your home insurance is adequate, so that if a tragedy occurs and your home is lost, you can have it rebuilt without losing everything.
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