When a fire threatens...

• Leave a light on in the house so emergency personnel have a better visual of your property as they approach.
• Make sure all forced air heater – a/c units are turned off so hot air is not drawn prematurely toward the structure.
• Move all combustible items toward the middle of the room and away from windows when possible.
• Store important papers in a fire-resistant safe.
• Remove any non-fire-resistant window coverings from the window
• Make sure all trash cans, lawn/patio furniture, pet beds, vehicles, and other combustible items are at least thirty feet from the structure when possible.
• If threat is severe and there is time, move decks, patio covers, and other combustible semi-permanent structures (plastic tool sheds) 30 feet away from the house
• Clear any equipment, vehicles, or any other items that could be considered barriers by emergency personnel trying to gain access to your property.
• Close all windows and doors if evacuating the premises.
• Attach pre-cut plywood panels for windows and exterior vents
• Remove all combustible floor mats from porches and entryways around the home.
• Clear any debris (dead leaves, etc) from roof valleys and rain gutters if it can be done without risk of injury.
• Keep a garden hose connected that is long enough to reach the home and out buildings on the property.
• Keep fire tools (shovels, ladders, rake, axe, water bucket, etc) are accessible to fire fighters after you evacuate your home.
• Prop a ladder against the house for easy access by firefighters.
• Shut off propane at the tank or shut off natural gas at the meter.
• Put a sprinkler on the roof and turn on landscape sprinklers prior to leaving the property. Wet surface of any shrubs within 15 feet of the house.