If You're sure You Have Time, Take Steps to Protect Your Home

Inside:
-Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings, and heavy drapes.
-Remove lightweight curtains.
-Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
-Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.
-Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding-glass doors.
-Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.

Outside:
-Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
-Turn off propane tanks.
-Place combustible patio furniture inside.
-Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
-Set up the portable gasoline-powered pump.
-Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof.
-Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.
-Gather fire tools.

Emergency Supplies
When wildfire threatens, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, dufflebags, or trash containers.

Include:
-A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
-One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
-A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
-Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
-An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler's checks.
-Sanitation supplies.
-Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
-An extra pair of eyeglasses.
-Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.

Create a Family Disaster Plan
 -Contact your local Red Cross chapter
-Find out about the hazards in your community.
-Ask how you would be warned.
-Find out how to prepare for each type of disaster.
-Meet With Your Family
-Discuss the types of disasters that could occur.
-Explain how to prepare and respond to each type of disaster.
-Discuss where to go and what to bring if advised to evacuate.
-Practice what you have discussed.
-Plan How Your Family Will Stay in Contact if Separated by Disaster

Pick two meeting places:
-A place a safe distance from your home in case of a home fire.
-A place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
-Choose an out-of-state friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call.

Complete These Steps
-Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone.
-Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at     main switches.
-Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.
-Learn first aid and CPR. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information and    training.


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                                       All information obtained from the American Red Cross