The spreading of fire from one tree to another happens in almost no time when the forest is thick. 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:
A getaway bag will help: Keep some of your most important belongings in a bag near the front door, so that you can grab it and go if you need to evacuate quickly. 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. Some optional but important things would be your electronic items and toiletries.
Your data: Invest in an external hard drive and program your computer to do automatic back-ups so you can spend a bit more time grabbing photos and other irreplaceable items when you are forced to leave your home.
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. Fires can bring down trees, but a wind storm can do the same thing.
Protection zone: A general rule of thumb is to clear any trees, vegetation that could catch fire, or other debris away from your home at a distance of 10 metres.
Only you can prevent forest fires: Close to 50% of wild fires are caused by human carelessness. 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.
Don't build camp fires when the weather's been dry, and never smoke in fire hazard areas. Never discard of a burning cigarette our of your car window. 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. This could include fire resistant shingles, tempered glass windows, a spark arrestor on your chimney. Taking these steps may even reduce your home insurance rate.
A prepared evacuation plan is essential. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do. Have an emergency kit prepared as well. This should include non-perishable foods and at least a three-day supply of drinking water. It's essential to have a first-aid kit included, and a portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries are important.
If you have a hot tub or pool, keep them filled with water, as well as garbage cans or other kinds of containers. 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. This will help firefighters locate your home quickly.
And of course, call 911 if you see any sign of a wildfire.
Having adequate home insurance is even more important when you live in an area that is more susceptible to wildfires. If the worst happens, and a wildfire strikes in your area, don't be caught without enough coverage to rebuild your home!
A getaway bag will help: Keep some of your most important belongings in a bag near the front door, so that you can grab it and go if you need to evacuate quickly. 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. Some optional but important things would be your electronic items and toiletries.
Your data: Invest in an external hard drive and program your computer to do automatic back-ups so you can spend a bit more time grabbing photos and other irreplaceable items when you are forced to leave your home.
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. Fires can bring down trees, but a wind storm can do the same thing.
Protection zone: A general rule of thumb is to clear any trees, vegetation that could catch fire, or other debris away from your home at a distance of 10 metres.
Only you can prevent forest fires: Close to 50% of wild fires are caused by human carelessness. 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.
Don't build camp fires when the weather's been dry, and never smoke in fire hazard areas. Never discard of a burning cigarette our of your car window. 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. This could include fire resistant shingles, tempered glass windows, a spark arrestor on your chimney. Taking these steps may even reduce your home insurance rate.
A prepared evacuation plan is essential. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do. Have an emergency kit prepared as well. This should include non-perishable foods and at least a three-day supply of drinking water. It's essential to have a first-aid kit included, and a portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries are important.
If you have a hot tub or pool, keep them filled with water, as well as garbage cans or other kinds of containers. 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. This will help firefighters locate your home quickly.
And of course, call 911 if you see any sign of a wildfire.
Having adequate home insurance is even more important when you live in an area that is more susceptible to wildfires. If the worst happens, and a wildfire strikes in your area, don't be caught without enough coverage to rebuild your home!
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