Wildfire season is here; anyone can be affected by fire during this season. An “it won’t happen here” mindset has caused untold heartache and sorrow.
Here are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of your home going up in flames from wildfire:
CLEAR off dead vegetation and anything that can burn from your roofline, gutters, decks, porches, patios and along fence lines. Look at your patio, deck, porch…got seating? With cushions? Rugs? Cloth awning? These will burn so get them off the porch. In an emergency you could throw them into the middle of the yard away from your home to burn freely. Think of falling embers and what an ember can ignite. REMOVE any wood piles you may have away from your structures. Rake under your deck and remove any combustible mulch away from your structures.
IF ORDERED TO EVACUATE: Close your windows. Make sure all windows and doors are closed tightly and seal up any pet doors. If you have a cooler turn off the blower but leave the water running onto the cooler pads. Remove items from your porch such as chairs, cushions, door mats, potted plants, cloth awnings or shade cloth: ANYTHING THAT CAN, WILL BURN!
BE PREPARED: Prepare in ADVANCE as waiting till the last minute can cause frustration and panic. Have a “GO” bag at the ready and review the 5 P’s of Evacuation shown below. Know where these items are now so you can find them easily. A practice run is not a bad idea.
5 P’s of Evacuation
People and Pets and other animals/livestock and supplies.
Prescriptions with dosages, medicines, medical equipment, vision and hearing aids, batteries and power cords, face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
Papers including important documents (hard copies and/or electronic copies saved on external hard drives or thumb drives), insurance papers, contacts.
Personal Needs including clothing, water, baby supplies, food, cash, credit cards, first aid kits, phones, and chargers. Items for people with access and/or functional needs, such as older adults and children.
Priceless items including photos, irreplaceable mementos and other valuables.
I advise everyone to check out: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go
Stay safe out there folks; you and your family are important to our community.
Please contact your local fire department for a free property FIREWISE evaluation:
FM Charlotte Herdliska Corona de Tucson Fire Department (520) 762-9370
Travis Mooney Rincon Valley Fire Department (520) 647-3760