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A WILDFIRE SAFETY PRIMER FOR PARENTS: TAKE CONTROL AND BE READY

 

As parents, living with the threat of wildfire can be overwhelming. It summons an instinctual urge to shield and protect our children. But what can we do in the face of such an enormous threat?  The good news is that our actions, individually and collectively, can make a big difference to how this plays out. Studies of wildfire behavior have shown us how to prepare ourselves and our homes to lower our risks.

 

Here’s a primer to help you understand wildfire risks and what to do to keep your family safe.

 

Know What You Can Control

Fire demands three things to burn: oxygen, heat, and fuel. Take away any one of these things and the fire goes out. 

 

In a wildfire, oxygen is a given – driven by winds.  Heat, as the ignition source, is usually carried by burning embers that blow ahead of the fire. The danger happens when embers land on vegetation around the house that serves as fuel.  You CAN control the fuel around your home. 

 

Take Control

Clear Zone 0.

If there is nothing in the first 5 ft to burn, your house is less likely to ignite. It seems hard to believe, but this small buffer zone saves homes – even in the most catastrophic fires where everything around was burned. Remove vegetation from Zone 0 and move wood piles and furniture as well.

Remove hazardous plants

When it comes to ember ignition, public enemies numbers 1, 2 and 3 are Italian cypress, juniper and bamboo. 

 

Learn more about fire smart landscaping at firesafemarin.org.

Be Prepared to Evacuate

As a parent, you know what it takes to leave the house with kids. It’s not easy. Thinking through the day’s needs, planning and packing is what we do. Apply those same skills to get ready for a wildfire evacuation.  It can save your lives!

Make a plan

1. Sign up for evacuation alerts at alertmarin.org
2. Know your route out. Wildfires travel uphill, so always go downhill towards a main road. 
3. Stay in your car when evacuating. It will provide protection from burning embers and heat.
4. Listen to AM Radio 740 or go to emergencymarincounty.org for updates. 

If your child is in school during a wildfire evacuation, the school will deploy its Emergency Action Plan. Contact your child’s school to find out what that plan is and how you will be informed. 

 

Pack Your Go Bags

Keep it simple.  A wildfire evacuation will likely take hours, not days. The most important thing about packing is to be ready to go without delay. Make a list of essential items you use everyday and will want to grab on your way out:

• Keys, cell phone, charger, medicines, glasses
• Download the Survival Checklist here.  

Pack a few items to keep your kids calm: a favorite toy, blanket and snack.  Don’t forget your pet’s food, water, a leash and a crate.

Adapting to wildfire means being prepared.  Let’s get prepared!

Fire Safe Marin is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing fire hazards, promoting fire safety awareness, and helping residents prepare for wildfires in Marin County, California. Be part of a cultural shift that values safety and resilience as our community’s hallmarks. Learn more at www.firesafemarin.org.

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