How To Keep Your Family Safe During This Very Dangerous Wildfire Season

The following is a news release from Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department:

CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department is dedicated to providing resources and information on defensible space and the laws supporting it; along with information on proper and safe use of motorized equipment used for mowing and clearing brush.

Do you know what to do before, during and after a wildland fire? Below are some tips on keeping and staying fire safe:

BEFORE:
 Create defensible space, a minimum of 100 feet* (*required under Public Resources Code 4291)
 Adhere to ALL fire department and building codes and comply with Notices to Abate
 Make evacuation plans with family members, including livestock and other large animals
 Make sure your house numbers show clearly from the street, day and night!

DURING:
 Monitor the www.rvcfire.org website for updates on large wildland fires. Always have a battery-operated radio on hand to stay updated on the latest information on the fire in the event of a power outage
 Remove any combustible materials away from the perimeter of your house
 Close all doors and windows, but do not lock them
 Move objects away from windows and sliding glass doors, including venetian blinds, furniture and other flammable items
 Be ready to evacuate everyone in the home, including pets when orders are implemented. Refusal to comply with mandatory evacuation orders is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code 409.5. Make sure you have critical medications, essential valuables, your cell phone(s), clothing, important personal papers and photos, pet and livestock transportation with food, and an evacuation route map. Make sure if you are evacuated to cover up by wearing long pants, long sleeve shirt, shoes that cover your feet, a bandana to wear around your face and goggles or glasses. Cotton clothing is best.
 Back your car in the garage or driveway and leave keys in the ignition

AFTER:
 Check with fire and law enforcement officials before attempting to return to your home
 Always exercise extreme caution while re-entering a burned area as flare-ups can and do occur
 Check the roof and exterior of structure on your property for sparks, embers and smoldering debris and continue to do so for several days after returning home
 Dial 9-1-1 if danger exists

“We are clearly experiencing significant wildland fire activity throughout the state. It is in everyone’s best interest to always be FIRE READY,” says CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Chief, John R. Hawkins. “Fire prevention begins at home. I urge our residents to remain fire-ready and always prepared for an approaching wildland fire. Maintain defensible space, know your evacuation routes and be prepared to evacuate when evacuation orders are implemented. This prepares you and helps to decrease the chances that a firefighter may have to rescue you from your home.”

Our website, www.rvcfire.org has a multitude of fire safety preparedness resources, including defensible space, human and animal evacuation and significant incident factsheets that are posted and updated 24 hours a day, seven days a week.