Wildfire -In Case Of

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WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A WILDFIRE

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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.