911

Carpinteria-Summerland 
Fire Protection District
1140 Eugenia Place
Suite A 
Carpinteria, CA 93013
 
Phone: 805-684-4591

 

Wildfire -In Case Of

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WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A WILDFIRE

polo fire Education

Remember, homes or properties that have been properly prepared are more likely to survive a wildfire than homes that are not. Furthermore, it is YOUR LEGAL responsibility as a property owner to maintain your land in a fire safe condition.

The Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District encourages all residents to create a defensible space and organize an evacuation plan in case of a wildfire.

If you see a fire approaching your home

  • Call 911.

  • Dress to prevent burns.

  • Wear long pants, cotton or wool long-sleeve shirts or jackets, and gloves.

  • Do not wear short-sleeve shirts or clothing made of synthetic fabrics.


Prepare to Evacuate

  • Contact your neighbors to let them know of the approaching fire.

  • Park the car in the garage, facing out with all windows closed and the keys in the ignition. Do NOT leave your vehicle running!

  • Close the garage door but leave it unlocked. Disconnect the automatic garage door opener in case of power failure.

  • Place documents, family mementos, and pets inside the car in the garage, ready for quick departure.

  • Take personal items for minimum of 3 days.

Outside Your Home
(If time allows)

  • Cover windows, attic openings, eave vents, and sub-floor vents with fire resistant material (such as ½ inch or thicker plywood).

  • Close window shutters if they are fire resistant.

  • Shut off propane or natural gas valves.

  • Remove excess gasoline and barbecue propane tanks from property.

  • Attach garden hoses to spigots and place them so they can reach any area of your house.

  • Fill trashcans and buckets with water and place them where firefighters can find them.

  • Place a ladder against the house on the side opposite the approaching fire to help firefighters get onto your roof.

Inside Your Home
(If time allows)

  • Close all windows and doors to prevent sparks from blowing inside. Remove your curtains or drapes. If you have metal blinds or fire resistant window coverings, close them.

  • Turn on porch and yard lights to make the house more visible in heavy smoke or darkness.

  • Shut off propane or natural gas valves.

Evacuating

  • Let authorities know of neighbors who might need assistance evacuating.

  • Use pre-planned routes, away from the approaching fire front.

  • If you are trapped by fire while evacuating in your car, park in an area clear of vegetation, close all vehicle windows and vents, cover yourself with a blanket or jacket and lie on the floor.

  • If you are trapped by fire while evacuating on foot, select an area clear of vegetation along a road, or lie in the road ditch. Cover any exposed skin with a jacket or blanket. Avoid canyons that can concentrate and channel fire.

If you stay in your home when a fire approaches

  • Stay inside your house, away from outside walls.

  • Close all doors, but leave them unlocked. 

  • Keep your entire family together and remain calm. Remember: if it gets hot in the house, it is many times hotter and more dangerous outside.

After the fire passes

  • Check the roof immediately, extinguishing all sparks and embers.

  • Check inside the attic for hidden burning embers.

  • Check the yard for burning woodpiles, trees, fence posts, or other materials.

  • Keep the doors and windows closed.

  • Continue rechecking your home and yard for burning embers for at least 12 hours.

Click on the following links for more information regarding Wildland Fire safety;

For all questions concerning this issue please contact
Charlie Johnson, Information / Education Officer at (805) 566-0582.