Surviving Wildfire

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Surviving Sur viving The Blaze: How to Safeguard your Home and Family Family From a Dev Devastating astating Wildre

introduc intr oduction tion Wildres are an ever increasing problem in America and much of the world. Expanding housing developments, “no harvest” programs that leave dry brush and trees littering public lands, and the extreme drought around the country have all made wildres more likely than ever. Yet Yet most people are unaware of the problem until it’s too late to protect their homes. Fires can and do happen almost everywhere.















Inside This Repor Reportt INTRODUCTION

1

In 2012 alone, 84,400 wildres burned 11,198,072 acres across the United States, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). Every state in the union reported at least one wildre,

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY PROPERTY

4

with the Eastern Great Basin Geographic Area, the Northern Rockies, Northwest and Rocky Mountain

PROTECT YOUR

10

Geographic Areas reporting the most res.

FAMILY MORE ADVANCED

16

PREPARATION

KNOW WHAT TO DO

20

& WHAT TO TAKE WHEN YOU LEAVE

KNOW WHEN TO

22

In 2012 alone, wildres destroyed over 4,200 over 4,200 buildings. This includes: 3

2,216 residences

3

1,961 outbuildings

3

and 67 commercial structures

HEAD OUT

AVOID AV OID CAUSING

19

A WILDFIRE

This gure is well above average and in fact is the highest number in over a decade.

CONCLUSION

28

REFERENCES

30

There is no state, no city, nor any area at all across the United States that is immune from the devastating effects of wildres. The most important thing to take away away from these numbers is that they are going up, not down. Dry conditions, “eco-friendly” land management practices that leave dead vegetation in place, and a lack of funds at the local level to clear up problem areas mean more res for the















That means you have a choice: 1. Watch everything you’ve worked your entire life for go up in smoke, or 2. Take action now to prevent it If you choose to ignore the signs and warnings, please close this report and go on about your life. But if you want to make sure that you have done EVERYTHING in your power to provide a safe and secure home for your family, no matter what; then please, read on... Still here?

Good. Then let’s jump right in. In the case of a wildre, you need to: z

Be able to protect your property as best you can

z

Be able to protect your family from re-related danger

z

Know what to take with you if you need to leave your home

z

Know when to head for safety

This guide will help you assess your present situation and go from wildre novice to being completely prepared. The pages ahead have expert tips, proven re-ghting techniques, and safety checklists to make sure you’re ready for a re if it comes. You’ll nish this guide better able to protect your property, your family, family, and all of the possessions you’ve worked so hard to acquire.















Chapter 2:

HOWW TO PR HO PROOTE TECCT YOUR

PROPERTY

No one is immune from a wildre. No matter where you live, you are a potential victim. If your default mentality is “That could never happen here” then you need to wake up. Wildres happen in the lush, green hills of Hawaii as well as the crisp, dry plains of Texas. All it takes is a spark and something that will burn to turn “Won’t happen here” into “Oh no, it’s here!” Flat panic is not the best way to go forward. Instead, you need to be proactive about preparing your property for the possibility of a re. To do this, assess your risk level with a few key questions: •

How much risk is there on my property for a re to spread?

•

What direction is a wildre likely to come from?

•

Does my property have any landscape features that will burn easily?

•

Are these features close to any outbuildings, sheds or my home?















Before A Wildfire: The Basics Before a re becomes a reality, you need to look at your property with re resistance in mind. There are three specic elements to consider to create a defensible space. These are: You’ ou’ll ll wa want nt to co cons nstru truct ct yo your ur bui buildi lding ngss usi using ng 1. Y re-resistant materials whenever possible, and be sure that any repairs/renovations also use re-resistant materials. want to reduce the size or eliminate 2. You’ll want any natural or “public” land materials around your home that will fuel ames. 3. Try to landscape using re resistant plants.

they have been evaluated thoroughly by a recognized organization such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). • Exteriors: This includes your decks, sidings, trims and other related material. Treat them the same way you do the roof. Take special care if you have an home covered with ivy or other clinging vines— though they can be pretty, it is a re hazard you may want to consider removing. • Gutters: Keep your gutters clear of debris, especially in the fall when leaves can pile up. • Chimneys and replaces: Inspect and clean them thoroughly every year year.. Make

While there is no guarantee doing so will

sure that if a wildre spark entered, it

make your home entirely safe from a

wouldn’t ignite anything.

wildre, working to meet these three points

• Shutters: Install protective, re resistant

will increase your property’s chance of

shutters if you live in a high risk area.

survival. Let’s look at each in-depth.

Inside, you may want to consider adding

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY DEVICES When it comes to the materials of your home,

heavy re-proof drapes or curtains. Along with using re-resistant materials, make sure you have these basic re-safety

you might have had no say if the house

devices in your home. They include:

was already built before you purchased it.

• Smoke alarms: These should be on every

However,, any upgrades, repairs, additions, However

level of your home. Select dual-sensors.

or new structures can include re-ghting

Change the batteries b atteries regularly.

materials like those listed here will be under your control: • Roofs: Use re-resistant or

• Fire extinguishers (ABC types): Keep them handy, handy, in working order, order, and make sure everyone in the household knows

















extinguisher will handle electrical res

(like pines) or deciduous (like cottonwood) or

without blowback shocks to you)

a mixture of both?

• Fire emergency equipment: Axes, rakes,

If the trees are largely conifers, you may

buckets, shovels, and hand or chain saws.

have a problem. Pines and their evergreen

These will help you ght small res on

relatives tend to burn more easily than

your own and equip reghters battling a

deciduous trees. Cutting down the trees

larger blaze.

is one solution, but this may not be a

• Ladders: Alwa Always ys have one that is capable of reaching the tallest structure on your property, including the roof of your house, so that you’ll be able to douse a blown spark if it comes in.

realistic option given your HOA covenants, neighborhood aesthetics, or personal preferences. In dry times, keep them well-watered and clear away what brush or dropped needles your can. If you do cut them down, be sure to remove all their parts. Pull

You should also consider what what you put

up the stumps as well as the roots to ensure a

around your home. This doesn’t mean your

wildre can’t feed off them.

actual landscape, but the lawn and garden accessories you have out. This could be lawn chairs, other patio or lawn furniture, your BBQ grill, or your children’s play set. These can all feed a re and provide fuel for a passing blaze if you’re not careful. Replace the tarps covering vehicles in the driveway driveway,, trailers or barbecues with inammable ones whenever possible. Keep your barbecue and its fuel tanks in a safe

In tall grass or scrub brush situations, get out that mower and your weed whacker. Cut grasses off short, clear away weed bunches, and chop out dried scrub. You’ll eliminate noxious weeds, lower the necessary maintenance for your outlying grounds, and starve res of potential fuel in dry seasons. Your Y our end goal is to creat create e a 30 to to 100 foot foot safety zone around your home. If you live















Create a community wide “Fire Prevention

chicks, rock cress, snow-in-summer snow-in- summer,, or

Brigade” The more people actively involved

wild strawberry strawberry..

in preventing the spread of a wild re the better.

DESIGNING A FIRE-RESIST FIRE-RESISTANT ANT LANDSCAPE

• Perennials: Perennials: Consider Consider chives, columbine, daylily,, evening primrose, hosta, sedges, daylily trumpet vine and/or yarrow. yarrow. • Shrubs: Opt for creeping holly, mock

In order to reduce the risk of wildres

orange, Oregon boxwood, Oregon grape,

destroying your property, design a re

pacic rhododendron, serviceberry and

resistant landscape. If nothing else, creating

sumac (but be mindful of sumac allergies

a landscape with wildres in mind may

if anyone in your family is sensitive).

give you and your family some extra time to escape safely from a fast-moving re.

When it comes to trees, choose hardwoods whenever possible. Evergreens burn much

Yes, Y es, neighborhood covenants or housing

more quickly than hardwood. The only

authority rules can be an issue. However,

exceptions to this rule are Ponderosa pine

even if you live in an apartment building

and Western larch. Their thick bark and the

with shared landscaping, you can take action

high moisture content of their leaves makes

to protect your home from passing res.

them more re-resistant than other conifers.

The rst thing to consider is plant material. Always Alwa ys pick plants and other forms of

In general, however, pick oak trees over balsam or pine.

vegetation with this question in mind: “Will

Besides plants and other vegetation, you

they help to contain a re or will they fuel

have to look at your choice of decor. In

it?” Talk to a professional at a garden center

many drought prone regions, landscapers

for ideas and suggestions about local plants

use rough uncolored or dyed tree bark as

that resist re. You may also nd tips online

a mulch to help the plants retain moisture.















practical and striking.

3

Thin your tree tops. Make sure the crowns do not touch and there are no

Creating A Buffer Zone

limbs on the rst 15’ up from the ground

One of the most important things you need to

level so that each tree is less likely to

do is to create a rebreak or buffer on your

catch re or pass re to its neighbor.

property. As noted previously, it should form a ring of 30 to 100 feet of low-fuel to no-fuel

3

the roofs of any of your buildings or

landscape. Now, a true rebreak is stripped

other structures.

earth at least three feet wide with all plants and roots removed, but these are usually

3

something you can do now and maintain in

3

3

have outside barbecues and/or propane

known wildre risks where you live can save

tanks that you clear at least a 10’ area

your property and even your life. Approach

around them.

the issue logically, but when it doubt, toss 3

approved reproof containers awa away y from

The following checklist is taken from

your home.

national re safety guidelines, and will help re risk prole of your home:

The same applies to gasoline and any fuel-soaked materials. Store them only in

practicality and safety safety..

you double check yourself as you lower the

Remove any ammable fuels from inside your rebreak. Make sure if you

requirements of your area and matches the

visual beauty out the window in favor of

If you have creeping vines on your home, remove them.

all seasons as a rst step in your re defences. Creating a buffer zone that meets the

Make sure no branches overhang your chimney.

something you put in as a re approaches as an extreme move. Your buffer zone is

Cut back any tree limbs that extend over

3

If you have an outside grill, cover it with a non-ammable mesh screen.















zone, be sure you include any outbuildings,

cost coverage instead of actual cash value. It

barns, or sheds you don’t want to see go up

costs more upfront, but will help you rebuild

in smoke.

a solid, comfortable home after a re as

Other Helpful Things To protect your property, you need to

opposed to getting a minimal cash settlement based on the insurance company’s assessment of your old home’s worth.

consider a wide variety of factors. Some are as simple as purchasing tools. Some are ongoing issues and others are seasonal.

SEASONAL MATTERS If you live in a high-risk area, know your seasonal variations and how to monitor re break outs and alerts. Make sure you monitor the changing risk levels frequently frequently..

Conclusion When it comes to wildres, everyone is at risk. The level of risk will vary from state to state and region to region, so take the time to learn what’s normal

Be ready to go into action and review your

and likely for your area.

emergency plans when wildre risk is high.

Remember,, to create a re-resistant Remember re -resistant

DOCUMENTATION DOCUMENTAT ION AND OTHER PAPER WORK

property you need to follow three

Since the risk of property damage is high,

crucial steps: Use re-resistant building materials

be sure you have a complete record of your home and its contents. Video your house, and

Reduce anything that will fuel a re

even certain contents, using a camcorder or

in the wild land around your home

your phone. Also, be certain to prepare a list

Choose re-resistant plants

of your valuable items, updating it regularly

and decorations in your home’s















Chapter 3:

ProTECT YOUR FAMILY

Protecting your family is the most important goal of all. In times of disaster, you want to be sure everyone survives. In the case of a wildre, this makes it doubly important that everyone be prepared.

First Things First It is not enough for you to draw up an evacuation plan. You and your family need to be on the same page. Everyone needs to know what you are doing d oing and why.

















evacuation routes. Know where local emergency shelters are—including ones that take pets. Understanding what the ocial networks will be doing will help you take advantage advanta ge of the resources they offer as you make your own plans.

INITIAL STEPS Once you have done your early research,

the car loaded. An older child may handle placing your pets one room while another child stays with them to keep them calm. This makes it easier to know where everyone is and spreads out the responsibility. It also makes the plan inclusive with everyone feeling they are part of the solution while the wildre is the problem.

prepare a plan. Be sure to have more than

NEXT STAGE

one conversation with your family and write

Having an evacuation plan is only part p art of

down the details of your plan. Consider

your preparation. You will need to plan and

practice drills in high risk seasons.

prepare to spend time away away from home. This will be covered in depth in later sections, but

Your plan should include:

it’s important to consider that you may not

• A map of the house showing all the possible exits as well as clearly marked best exits

be able to return home right awa away y in your

• The location of your reghting

know when you will be allowed to come

initial plans. When you leave your home, you may not















or other re-retardant container are one

or changes each season, such as damage to

choice, or you can store copies with close

meeting spots, new additions to the family,

friends or family members who live outside

or changes to your home.

your region. • Stock up on food food and water water.. While a 72

Even if your teenagers roll their eyes, run the whole family through the drill. Have everyone

hour supply should be in your bug out bag,

hit the exits and meet at the designated spot

you may also want to have additional food

outside the home. Practice loading your car

stores and water caches in case you end

in 10 minutes and hiding valuables if those

up on your own for several days or even

things are in your plan. The more you do it,

several weeks. Plan for any special dietary

the more comfortable it will seem and the

needs up front for your own peace of mind

faster you can x any kinks in your planning.

and later security.

This will help everyone be ready physically

• Make a specialty kit with unique items to

and psychologically for the real thing.

care for your family’s specic needs. This

ODDS AND ENDS

may contain items such as prescriptions

You can also also help ensure your family’s

(actual and the paper form) specialty items

protection in other ways. Encourage all

for seniors, and toys, diapers, or formula

members to take courses relating to re















car? What if you you need to ee on foot and a

any vents and close your windows. If you

wildre strikes while you are out in the open?

have re repellant shutter close them. Locate

Trapped At Home If you nd you cannot leave your home, stay calm. Panic is your worst enemy at this th is time. Stop and assess the situation. Begin by prioritizing your and your family’s needs.

all other openings and cover them with ame retardant plywood or duct tape them tight. To protect your home and everyone in it, you need to makes sure to shut off all natural gas, oil, and propane fuel lines. You also have to move anything and everything combustible

FIREBREAK

away from the windows. This includes drapes,

If you can, reinforce your rebreak. Identify

furniture, knick-knacks, etc. The family

a vulnerable area near your home. Taking as

should also stay away from the windows.

many people and tools as is possible, begin to clear it thoroughly. The section needs to be at least 3’ wide for it to be effective.

People need to be alert in case a spark lands inside the house. Place family members to watch vulnerable spots such as the chimney.

Be methodical. Rip out all vegetation and

Make sure the pets are conned to one

remove any ammables. This includes the

room. Place someone inside with them to

roots. Work Work until the area is clear. Keep

ensure their safety and to prevent them

watch and be ready to leave when necessary.

from panicking.















homes even when re destroyed everything around them because they proactively protected themselves in their present location instead of running out in a panic into a wildre on the move.

Ambushed In Your Vehicle The potential exists for you and your family to become trapped in your car as you attempt to evacuate. evacuate. Wildres can move very quickly and jump to new areas unexpectedly,

• Remain in your your vehicle vehicle until help arrives arrives or the wildre moves on Above all, if you nd yourself trapped in your car, remain calm. It’s not an ideal situation by any means, but panic will make things worse. Deal with the deck you’ve been dealt and try to make the best of your situation whether you are forced to stay in your home, trapped in your vehicle or caught out in the open.

blocking your path.

Caught In The Open

If this occurs, follow these directions from

If, when eeing a re on foot, you and

the National Fire Service:

your family are caught in the open, remain

• Roll up all car windows tightly

calm. Failure to do so can result in tragic consequences. You must remain in control at

• Close every car vent

all times and think carefully about what to do.

• If you you can continue to to drive, drive, proceed slowly

The rst thing you need to do is remove your















If you can, try to walk around the wildre. If

made it through without catching re, it

this is not possible, you will need to go

doesn’t hurt to stop, drop, and roll anywa anyway. y.

to ground.

Alternatively,, smother the ames out with Alternatively

GOING TO GROUND If you have no option, make a stand. Find the area with the least amount of vegetative

a blanket or other material, giving yourself a thorough pat down to ensure there are no smoldering embers in cuffs or collars.

growth. The less green there is, the less fuel

FINAL THOUGHT

there is for the re. Avoid any valley, gully or

If you are caught in a wildre, you will have

canyon. These are all a death trap in a wildre.

to think and act quickly. Do not hesitate.

After picking your spot and making sure every member has one, lie face down. Cover any exposed body parts—particularly

Decide where to go. Act quickly and either dash through the ames to a more secure spot or hunker down until it passes.

your neck and face, with dirt, clothing or a

Keep in mind that wildres are

blanket. If the blanket or material is wet, all

unpredictable. They are affected by the

the better. This will help deter the wildre.

pattern of vegetative growth. They also are

Once in place, lie still. Do not move or disturb your protective covering.

dependent upon the wind pattern. Be alert and aware of both aspects before you make your decision to stay or go through the ames.

















Chapter 4:

more advanced

preparation















3

Water

3

Cash

3

Battery and hand-cranked radio

3

Small LED ashlight

3

Battery operated and/or hand-cranked ashlight

3

Any prescription medications

3

Space blanket

3

Trail mix, energy bars and other small portable nutritional items

3

Water

3

Wooden matches in a waterproof container

3

Extra batteries

3

A rst aid kit

3

Wooden matches in a waterproof container and re starter

3

Non-perishable food















The average car or vehicle kit contains: 3

Clothing

annually to ensure the contents are good. Test the ashlight, for example, to make sure it is working. You will nd it necessary to

3

Blankets

3

Cook set – pots and pans

3

Cook stove and fuel

3

Drinking water

3

Flares

3

Flashlight

also identify us to the authorities. In case of a

3

Food—including Meals Ready to Eat

wildre, you can preserve your heritage and

replace some items over time.

Documents, ID and Personal Photographs Memories, family history and important documents. These all help shape us. They















of key documents. You can send them to a

carry with you and photos that are safe from

relative, friend, or lawyer to guard for you.

both re and water damage in an emergency. emergency.

You should also keep a copy copy in your personal emergency kit.

pertinent copies in their personal kits.

Conclusion

Everyone should have a copy of his or h er

Advanced preparation is important. It

important ID information. This includes

cuts down on time if you are physically

Social Security card, health card, driver’s

ready to leave on a moment’s notice

and/or marriage license, birth certicate

and have your bug out bag packed.

Your family members me mbers should sh ould also carry car ry

and/or passport. You should also keep

Check your bug out bags at least once















Chapter 5:

KNOW WHAT TO DO AND WHAT WHAT TO TAK TAKEE WHEN YOU LEAVE

















3

Lock your doors—including garage and shed doors.

3

See that your animals are ready, their carriers waiting to be picked up and placed in the car or other vehicle for departure

documents (mainly, your driver’s license). You Y ou will need these these to claim gove government rnment re benets at shelters as well as to access health services in a crisis. 3

Insurance paperwork. You want to be rst in line to get benets if anything















Chapter 6:

KNOW WHEN TO















will also make you dependent upon shelters

updates. Know how key re messages will

and your savings, depleting your personal

be broadcast in your area. It is also essential

resources unnecessarily. Extended time away

to know how much time you you have once once an

from your home can also put it at risk for

evacuation order is given.

days before a re arrives.

Monitor the sources. Listen carefully to















Chapter 7:

A AVVOID CA CAUSING















homes. The rapid ames ate up approximately three square miles. The cause of the wildre was believed to be a vehicle re. 2011: The Hula Hut on Lake Austin, Texas, caught re after a nearby business set off

causes of wildres: • Campres • Sparks from welding and grinding equipment













































































Surviving Wildfire

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