2017 Detwiler Fire in Mariposa County
Credit: Harve Dearing, Mariposa County Fire

August 2, 2018 - Advance preparation for wildfires is critical for anyone living close to wild lands. Here are some tips to get you started:

Preparing for wildfire

• Minimize the chances of fire spreading by clearing away dry grass and brush at least 100 feet from your home. Move firewood, grills and anything flammable at least 30 feet away from your house.
  
  
• Create a wildfire action plan for your family, and review it regularly. Include escape routes and places to meet up, as well as out-of-area phone/email contacts. Make sure every family member is clear on the plan. Think about how you will evacuate pets and animals. Program emergency phone numbers in your cell phone. Keep them written in your wallet in case your cell phone goes dead.
  
  
• Share emergency contact information with neighbors and others you can depend on who live out of your area.
  
  
• Walk your family through your house and property, pointing out the items of greatest importance. If (and only if) safety permits, you can grab these items on your way out the door.
  
  
• Keep your important papers in a fireproof, waterproof box. Include financial documents and account information; legal papers including birth certificates, passports, real estate deeds and wills; insurance information and medical information.
  
  
• Have a “go bag” ready with clothing, toiletries and other necessities for three days. Click here for suggested items.
  
  
• Take photos or video inside and outside your home to document your possessions and save them somewhere safe and accessible. Don’t forget the insides of closets, drawers and cabinets. Be sure to include your attic, basement, garage and any outbuildings. You’ll also want shots of any significant items you use to service your property, such as tractors and riding lawn mowers.
  
  
• Get pets used to leashes, halters, crates and trailers and include them in family emergency drills.
  
  
• Inspect horse trailers regularly to make sure they are in working order in case you have a horse you need to evacuate, or line up a facility ahead of time that can keep your animals in case of emergency.
   

Evacuating

• Listen to news reports and follow the instructions of local fire officials, law enforcement and emergency workers.
  
  
• Make sure you have identification for all members of your family. You may need identification to get back into your neighborhood if an evacuation has been called.
  
  
• Leave with as much time to spare as you can. Not only is it safer for you, but the sooner you can leave your home and clear the roads, the easier it will be for firefighters to get their trucks in and start working to protect your home and the surrounding area.
  Source: AAA