Every year across our nation, some homes survive a major wildfire while many others do not. Those that survive almost always do so because their owners had prepared for the eventuality of fire, which is an inescapable force of nature in fire-prone wildland areas.
If it's predictable, it's preventable!
Wildfires in Colorado are a serious threat. Below you can find some information on how to keep yourself and your property as safe as possible.
Wildfire Preparedness
Protect Your Home
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Regularly clean roof and gutters.
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Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good working order. Equip chimneys and stove-pipes with a spark arrester that meets the requirements of National Fire Protection Association Standard 211. (Contact your local fire department for exact specifications).
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Use 1/8-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself. Also, screen openings to floors, roof and attic.
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Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change batteries at lease once a year.
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Teach each family member how to use a fire extinguisher.
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Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: rake, axe, handsaw or chain saw, bucket, and shovel.
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Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
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Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
Protect Yourself
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Familiarize yourself with our Evacuation Levels. In the event of an emergency, officials will notify you of the threat and evacuation level determined to be necessary through Hyper-Reach, Facebook, Twitter and media.
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Have an Evacuation Plan and practice it. Be certain to have alternate routes planned in case your primary route is closed due to road damage or closures.
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Include children in preparedness planning.
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Have a Family Contact Plan (who to call, where to meet, where to meet if separated, etc...)
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Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit, also known as a 72 hour kit, with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy to carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or trash containers. There are an endless number of these kits for purchase, but one of the simplest ways to do this is to create your own and have a separate bag/pack/container for each person. Keep each kit in a place where it will be easy to locate at a moment’s notice.
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Here is a sample list of items to consider placing in your kit:
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Three day supply of water (1 gallon for each person)
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Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. Add six drops (1/8 tsp) of unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes.
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One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person
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Cell phone w/chargers, inverters, or a solar charger
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First aid kit
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Prescription medicines
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Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
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Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries
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Matches in a water-proof container
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Extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks
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Sanitation supplies
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Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members
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Local maps
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Know where to grab information and supplies for your animals in the event you have to evacuate.