Fire

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Please use the following guidelines to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during a fire.

Have ABC fire extinguishers available on every floor
Install smoke detectors. Test according to manufacturer’s recommendations and replace batteries every six months. Vacuum or blow out (with compressed air) your smoke alarm when changing your batteries. A dusty smoke alarm is the #1 cause of false activations
Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector on each level. Maintain according to manufacturers’ directions
A CO detector will not indicate raw gas in the home. We recommend installing a natural gas and/or propane detector on each level (if your home uses these fuel sources). Maintain according to manufacturers’ directions
Identify two escape routes from each room
Conduct fire drills
Make sure your windows are not nailed or painted shut
Establish an outside meeting place
Know where flammable materials are in your home, and properly dispose of these materials
Regularly inspect and clean chimneys
Do not overload electrical outlets
Keep a folding, chain-style ladder stored in each upstairs bedroom
Make sure your address numbers are clearly visible from the street
Sleep with your room doors closed. Closed doors slow the spread of fire

Follow your pre-planned fire escape plan. Warn other occupants along the way and pull the fire alarm (if available).
Walk quickly, don't panic
Feel the door on your way out with the back of your hand. If the door is hot, do not open. Close the door behind you to slow the spread of fire
Use the stairs - don't use the elevator. It may stop and trap you
Try to place one hand in contact with the wall to prevent you from getting lost
Stay low and go. If there's smoke, escape by staying very low to the ground where air is cooler
Open a window if trapped. Open the window at the top to let out heat and smoke, and at the bottom to breathe. If you cannot get out, wave a sheet out the window
Meet at your pre-planned meeting place outside of the building. Take roll call, and report missing persons to first responders along with their likely location
Send the alarm. Dial 9-1-1 to report a fire. Use the local fire alarm box (if available)
NEVER go back into a burning building for anything. Your life is your most valuable possession
For small fires, use an ABC fire extinguisher. For small oil/grease fires in the pan, smother the flames by using baking soda or the pan lid
If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll. If someone else’s clothes catch on fire, have them drop and smother the flames with a coat or blanket

WILDFIRE

Keep yourself safe from wildfires by adopting the following guidelines.

The best way to be alerted to emergencies in our community is through Ready Wake, which offers voice or text communications about potential safety hazards and concerns as well as what action (if any) you should take. Sign up today!
Find out if your area is prone to wildfires
Know your local media stations used for emergency information. The radio stations in our area part of the emergency broadcast system are WQDR 94.7FM and WDCG 105.1FM
Have ABC fire extinguishers available on every floor
Make sure your address numbers are clearly visible from the street
Clear wild vegetation within 100 feet of your home, and create a 5 feet non-combustible zone around your home
Regularly clean your home’s roof and gutters
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy, and prepare/update a list of your home’s contents
Plan several escape routes away from your home, either by car or by foot
Have your vehicle’s gas tank full
Keep an emergency auto kit readily accessible (see our Emergency Supplies List for recommendations)

Listen to designated media stations for emergency instructions and follow directions
Park your vehicle in an open space facing your evacuation route. Have your vehicle keys accessible
Shut the windows and doors in your home
Wear long sleeves and pants. Wet a handkerchief for your face if necessary
Close exterior house vents
Shut off gas at main shut-off valve. Turn off all pilot lights and propane tanks
Open fireplace damper, close fireplace screens
Move flammable furniture to the center of the home
Wet shrubs within 15 feet of home
If evacuating, tell someone where you are going

Brush Fire Safety

Remove weeds and keep grass cut
Properly dispose of any dead and piled up vegetation
Stack any firewood left over from the winter away from structures
Limit the use of flammable plants in your landscaping. A 5 feet non-combustible zone around your home can make a big impact on reducing risks with wildfire. Contact your local home and garden center if you have questions about safe plants
Do not use pine straw as ground cover next to your home, especially if your home has wood or vinyl siding
Plant trees and shrubs with room to grow in sparse and separate areas, and choose trees that don't have too many branches. The distance from tree to house should always be greater than the height of the tree
Avoid using plants that develop dead undergrowth
Avoid placing plants too close to structures and underneath overhangs/eaves
Provide adequate water to keep plants healthy and green
Keep sprinkler systems in good working order
Trim dead wood off trees

Properly dispose of trash and debris. Piles of trash, old home furnishings, boxes, and even cars are potential fire hazards
Store flammable liquids properly
Always dispose of cigarettes carefully
Keep the roof clean and clear. Where possible, wash the roof on a regular basis