Fires very quickly spread from tree to tree in dense forest. Taking some of these precautions will keep you and your family safer, as well as your home, before the evacuation crews order you to leave:
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. This will also make any temporarily away family members feel better, since you can protect their most valued items. 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.
Look up, look way up: If you have overhead power lines on your property, make sure they are clear of vegetation and well away from the nearest tree. Fires can bring down trees, but a wind storm can do the same thing.
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.
Only you can prevent forest fires: Close to 50% of wild fires are caused by human carelessness. Whether it's a campfire that isn't completely out, or a controlled burn that gets out of control or a cigarette thrown from a window, a single spark can trigger a massive disaster.
If the weather is extremely dry, it's a bad idea to build a camp fire. And make sure you don't throw a lit cigarette from your car. Cigarettes can cause a fire in the grass as it smoulders away.
If there is any extra vegetation near your house, clear it away. And try to use fireproof materials in the construction of your home, whenever possible. Some ways to do this are to install tempered glass windows, a spark arrestor on the chimney, and fire resistant shingles. Not only do these things keep you safer, they will likely end up saving you money on your home insurance.
Have an evacuation plan ready. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do. You'll need to prepare an emergency kit. Include 3 days worth of drinking water, and an assortment of non-perishable food items. Other helpful items include a portable radio, a flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
Fill any large containers, such as pools, hot tubs, or garbage cans with water to slow down an approaching fire. If an official evacuation order is handed down, don't take chances, leave the home immediately To make your home more simple to recognize, use address numbers that are fireproof. Your home will be determined faster by firefighters this way.
It almost goes without saying, but if you see a wildfire, be sure to call 911 right away.
Having adequate home insurance is even more important when you live in an area that is more susceptible to wildfires. You really don't want to be without protection if a wildfire was to destroy your home, so be sure that you're fully insured against that.
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. This will also make any temporarily away family members feel better, since you can protect their most valued items. 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.
Look up, look way up: If you have overhead power lines on your property, make sure they are clear of vegetation and well away from the nearest tree. Fires can bring down trees, but a wind storm can do the same thing.
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.
Only you can prevent forest fires: Close to 50% of wild fires are caused by human carelessness. Whether it's a campfire that isn't completely out, or a controlled burn that gets out of control or a cigarette thrown from a window, a single spark can trigger a massive disaster.
If the weather is extremely dry, it's a bad idea to build a camp fire. And make sure you don't throw a lit cigarette from your car. Cigarettes can cause a fire in the grass as it smoulders away.
If there is any extra vegetation near your house, clear it away. And try to use fireproof materials in the construction of your home, whenever possible. Some ways to do this are to install tempered glass windows, a spark arrestor on the chimney, and fire resistant shingles. Not only do these things keep you safer, they will likely end up saving you money on your home insurance.
Have an evacuation plan ready. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do. You'll need to prepare an emergency kit. Include 3 days worth of drinking water, and an assortment of non-perishable food items. Other helpful items include a portable radio, a flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
Fill any large containers, such as pools, hot tubs, or garbage cans with water to slow down an approaching fire. If an official evacuation order is handed down, don't take chances, leave the home immediately To make your home more simple to recognize, use address numbers that are fireproof. Your home will be determined faster by firefighters this way.
It almost goes without saying, but if you see a wildfire, be sure to call 911 right away.
Having adequate home insurance is even more important when you live in an area that is more susceptible to wildfires. You really don't want to be without protection if a wildfire was to destroy your home, so be sure that you're fully insured against that.
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