YOUR PERSONAL WILDFIRE ACTION PLAN

READY, SET, GO!

Saving Lives and Property through Advance Planning

READY, SET, GO! Wildfire Action Plan

INSIDE Wildland Urban Interface 3

What is Defensible Space 4

Making Your Home Fire Resistant 5

AWildfire-ReadyHome 6-7

GetSet-PrepareYourFamily 8

As the Fire Approaches Checklist 9

Go Early Checklist 10

YourOwnWildfireActionPlan 11

ildfire isaseriousthreat to lives,propertyandnatural resources inCalifornia. The men and women of CAL FIRE make countless prepara-

tionsandtrainfrequentlyinordertobereadyforalltypesofemergencies,includingwildfires.Residentsneedtodothesame.

You can dramatically increase your safety and the survivability of your propertybypreparingwellinadvanceofawildfire.Thisbrochureprovidescomprehensive information on how to improve your home’s resistance to wildfiresandprepareyourfamilytobereadytoleaveearlyinasafeman-ner.Wecallthisprocess,“Ready,Set,Go!”

The guide illustrates the importance of having defensible space around your home and it will help educate you about the preparations you need to makesoyoucanleaveearlyandevacuatewellaheadofawildfire.Thisbro-churealsoprovidesinformationonhowtoretrofityourhomewithignitionresistantmaterialstoaddressthethreatofflyingembersthatcantravelasfarasamileaheadofaflamefront.

Fireis,andalwayshasbeen,anaturalpartofthebeautifulstatewe’vecho-sentolivein.Wildfires,fueledbyabuild-upofdryvegetationanddrivenbyhot,drywinds,areextremelydangerousandarechallengingforfirefightersto control. This publication will help you prepare your home so you can leave early;confidentinthefactthatyou’vedoneeverythingyoureasonablycantoprotectyourhomefromdevastatingwildfire.

Ihopeyou’llfindtheinformationonthenextpageshelpful.Asalways,ifyouneedmore informationaboutpreparing forwildfireoranyotherdisaster,contactyournearestfirestationorvisitusonthewebatwww.fire.ca.gov.

Chief Del Walters Director,CALFIRE

This publication was prepared by the Ventura County Fire Department. Special thanks to CAL FIRE, Orange County Fire Authority, FireSafeCouncil, Firewise Communities, and the Institute for Business andHome Safety as well as many other organizations for their contribu-tions to content.

W

Ready,Set,Go!issupportedby:

All suggestionsand requirementsarebasedonStateCodesandRegulations,specifically the California Building CodeChapter 7A, California Fire Code, andTitle14FireSafeRegulations.Contactyourlocalfireandbuildingdepartmentforspecificrequirementsorrecommendationsforyourcommunity.

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Living in the Wildland Urban Interface

Ready,Set,Go!beginswitha housethatfirefighterscandefend.

A home within one mile of a natural area isatriskofflyingembers.Wind-drivenem-bers can attack your home. You and your homemustbepreparedwellbeforeafireoccurs.Emberfirescandestroyhomesorneighborhoodsfarfromtheactualflamefrontofthewildfire.

Defensible space works!Ifyoulivenexttoanaturalarea,theWildlandUrbanInterface,youmustprovidefirefight-ers with the defensible space they need to protect your home. The buffer you create by removingweeds,brushandothervegetationhelpstokeepthefireawayfromyourhomeandreducestherisksfromflyingembers.

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What is Defensible Space?

ZoneOneextends30feetoutfrombuildings,structures,decks,etc.

• Removealldeadordyingvegetation.

• Trimtreecanopiesregularlytokeeptheirbranchesaminimumof10feetfromstructuresand other trees.

• Removeleaflitter(dryleaves/pineneedles)fromyard,roofandraingutters.

• RelocatewoodpilesorothercombustiblematerialsintoZoneTwo.

• Removecombustiblematerialandvegetationfromaroundandunderdecks.

• Removeorprunevegetationnearwindows.

• Remove“ladderfuels”(low-levelvegetationthatallowsthefiretospreadfromthegroundtothetreecanopy).Createaseparationbetweenlow-levelvegetationandnon-vegetativematerialssuchaspatiofurniture,woodpiles,swingset,etc.,fromtreebranches.Thiscanbedonebyreducingtheheightoflow-levelvegetationand/ortrimminglowtreebranches.

Defensible space is the required space between a structure and the wildlandareathat,undernormalconditions,createsasufficientbuffertosloworhaltthespreadofwildfireto a structure. It protects the home fromignitingduetodirectflameorradiant heat. Defensible space is essential for structure survivability duringwildfireconditionsandfortheprotectiontofirefightersdefendingyour home.

ZONE ONE

ZONE TWO ZoneTwoextends30to100feetoutfrombuildings,structuresanddecks.Youcanminimizethechanceoffirejumpingfromplanttoplantorothernon-vegetativecombustible,byremovingdeadmaterialandremoving,separating,and/orthinningvegetation.Theminimumspacingbe-tweenvegetationisthreetimesthedimensionoftheplantorothernon-vegetativecombustible.

• Remove“ladderfuels.”

• Cutormowannualgrassdowntoamaximumheightof4inches.

• Trimtreecanopiesregularlytokeeptheirbranchesaminimumof10feetfromothertrees.

• Loosesurfacelitter,normallyconsistingoffallenleavesorneedles,twigs,bark,cones,andsmallbranches,shallbepermittedtoadepthof3inchesiferosioncontrolisanissue.

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What is a Hardened Home?

ROOFSRoofs are the most vulnerable surface where embers land becausetheycanlodgeandstartafire.Roofvalleys,openends of barrel tiles and rain gutters are all points of entry.

EAVESEmberscangatherunderopeneavesandigniteexposedwood or other combustible material.

VENTSEmbers can enter the attic or other concealed spaces and ignite combustible materials. Vents in eaves and cornices are particularlyvulnerable,asareanyunscreenedvents.Newventshavebeendevelopedthatpreventflameandembersfrom getting through to the attic.

WALLSCombustible siding or other combustible or overlapping ma-terials provide surfaces or crevices for embers to nestle and ignite.

WINDOWS and DOORSEmberscanentergapsindoors,includinggaragedoors.Plants or combustible storage near windows can be ignited fromembersandgenerateheatthatcanbreakwindowsand/or melt combustible frames.

BALCONIES and DECKSEmbers can collect in or on combustible surfaces or the un-dersidesofdecksandbalconies,ignitethematerialandenterthe home through walls or windows.

Tohardenyourhomeevenfurther,considerprotectingyourhomeswitharesidentialfiresprinklersystem.Inadditiontoextinguishingafirestartedbyanemberthatentersyourhome,italsoprotectsyouandyourfamilyyear-roundfromanyfirethatmaystartinyourhome.

Construction materials and the quality of the defensible space surrounding it are whatgivesahomethebestchancetosurviveawildfire.Embersfromawildfirewillfindtheweaklinkinyourhome’sfireprotectionschemeandgaintheupperhandbecauseofasmall,overlookedorseeminglyinconsequentialfactor.However,therearemeasuresyoucantaketosafeguardyourhomefromwildfire.Whileyoumaynotbeabletoaccomplishallthemeasureslistedbelow,eachwillincreaseyourhome’s,andpossiblyyourfamily’s,safetyandsurvivalduringawildfire.

AllsuggestionsandrequirementsarebasedonStateCodesandRegulations,specifi-callytheCaliforniaBuildingCodeChapter7A,CaliforniaFireCode,andTitle14FireSafeRegulations.Contactyourlocalfireandbuildingdepartmentforspecificrequirementsor recommendations for your community.

Home Site and Yard: Ensureyouhaveatleasta100-footradiusofdefensiblespace(clearedvegetation)aroundyourhome. Note that even more clearance may be needed for homes in severe hazard areas. This means looking past what you own to determine the impact a common slope or neighbors’ yardwillhaveonyourpropertyduringawildfire.Cut dry weeds and grass before 10 a.m. when temperatures arecoolertoreducethechanceofsparkingafire.Landscapewithfire-resistantplantsthathaveahighmoisturecontentandarelow-growing.Keepwoodpiles,propanetanksandothernon-vegetativecombustible materials away from your home and other structuressuchasgarages,barnsandsheds.Ensure that trees are far away from power lines.

Tour a Wildfire Ready Home

Address: Make sure your address is clearly visible from the road.

Roof: Your roof is the most vulnerable part of your homebecauseitcaneasilycatchfirefromwind-blownembers.Homeswithwood-shakeorshingleroofs are at high risk of being destroyed during a wildfire.Buildyourrooforre-roofwithignitionresistantmaterialssuchascomposition,metalortile.Blockany spaces between roof decking and covering to prevent ember intrusion.Clearpineneedles,leavesandotherdebrisfromyour roof and gutters.Cut any tree branches within ten feet of your roof.

Windows:Heatfromawildfirecancausewindowsto break even before the home ignites. This allows burningemberstoenterandstartinternalfires.Single-panedandlargewindowsareparticularlyvulnerable.Installdual-panedwindowswithonepaneoftem-pered glass to reduce the chance of breakage in a fire. Consider limiting the size and number of windows in your home that face large areas of vegetation.

Vents: Vents on homes are particularly vulnerable to flyingembers.Allventopeningsshouldbecoveredwith1⁄8-inchto1/4inchmetalmesh.Donotusefiberglassorplastic mesh because they can melt and burn.Atticventsineavesorcornicesshouldbebaffledor otherwise protected to prevent ember intrusion (meshisnotenough).

Inside: Keepworkingfireextinguishersonhand.Install smoke alarms on each level of your home and in bedrooms. Test them monthly and change the batteries twice a year.

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Decks: Surfaces within 10 feet of the building should be builtwithignitionresistant,non-combustible,orotherapproved materials. Ensure that all combustible items are removed from underneath your deck.

Water Supply: Consider having multiple garden hoses that are long enough to reach any area of your home and other structures on your property.Ifyouhaveapoolorwell,considerapump.

Garage:Haveafireextinguisherandtoolssuchasashovel,rake,bucketandhoeavailableforfireemergen-cies.Consider installing weather stripping around and under door to prevent ember intrusion.Storeallcombustiblesandflammableliquidsawayfrom ignition sources.

Driveways and Access Roads: Driveways should be built and maintained in accordance to the state and localcodestoallowfireandemergencyvehiclestoreach your house. Consider maintaining access roads with a minimum 10-footclearanceoneithersideofthetraveledsec-tionoftheroadwayandallowingfortwo-waytraffic.Ensure that all gates open inward and are wide enough to accommodate emergency equipment.Trim trees and shrubs overhanging the road to allow emergency vehicles to pass.

Patio Cover: Use the same ignition resistant materials for patio covering as a roof.

Chimney: Cover your chimney and stovepipe outlets with anapprovedsparkarrestornon-combustiblescreenwithopeningsnosmallerthan3⁄8inchandnolargerthan1/2inchtopreventembersfromescapingandignitingafire.Make sure that your chimney is at least 10 feet away from any tree branches.

Walls:Woodproducts,suchasboards,panelsorshingles,arecommonsidingmaterials.However,theyarecombustibleandnotgoodchoicesforfire-proneareas.Buildorremodelwithignitionresistantbuildingmaterials,suchasstucco,fibercement,wallsiding,fireretardant,treatedwood,orotherapprovedmaterials.Besuretoextendmaterialsfromfoundationtoroof.

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Eaves and Soffits Protection:Eavesandsoffitsshouldbeprotectedwithignitionresistantornon-combustible materials .

Rain Gutters: Screen or enclose rain gutters to prevent accumulation of plant debris.

Fencing:Considerusingignitionresistantornon-combustible fencing to protect your home during a wildfire.

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Now that you’ve done everything you can to protectyourhouse,it’stimetoprepareyourfamily. Your Wildfire Action Plan must be prepared with all members of your household wellinadvanceofafire.Use these checklists to help you prepare your WildfireActionPlan.Eachfamily’splanwillbedifferent,dependingontheirsituation.Onceyoufinishyourplan,practiceitregularlywithyour family and keep it in a safe and accessible place for quick implementation.

READY, SET, GO! Create Your Own

Wildfire Action Plan

Create a Family Disaster Plan that includes meeting locations and communication plans and practice it regularly. Include in your plan the evacuation of large animals such as horses.

Havefireextinguishersonhandandtrainyourfamily how to use them.

Ensure that your family knows where your gas,electricandwatermainshut-offcontrolsare and how to use them.

Plan several different evacuation routes.

Designate an emergency meeting location outsidethefirehazardarea.

Assemble an emergency supply kit as recommended by the American Red Cross.

Appointanout-of-areafriendorrelativeasapoint of contact so you can communicate with family members who have relocated.

Maintain a list of emergency contact numbers posted near your phone and in your emergency supply kit.

Keepanextraemergencysupplykitinyourcar in case you can’t get to your home becauseoffire.

Have a portable radio or scanner so you can stayupdatedonthefire.

GET READY Prepare Your Family

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OUTSIDE CHECKLIST

Gatherupflammableitemsfromtheexteriorofthehouseandbringtheminside(e.g.,patiofurniture,children’stoys,doormats,etc.)orplace them in your pool.

Turn off propane tanks.

Don’tleavesprinklersonorwaterrunning-theycan waste critical water pressure.

Leaveexteriorlightson.

Backyourcarintothedriveway.Shutdoorsandroll up windows.

Have a ladder available.

Patrolyourpropertyandextinguishallsmallfiresuntilyouleave.

Sealatticandgroundventswithpre-cutplywood or commercial seals if time permits.

IF YOU ARE TRAPPED: SURVIVAL TIPS

Shelter away from outside walls.

Bringgardenhosesinsidehousesoembersdon’t destroy them.

Patrolinsideyourhomeforspotfiresandextinguishthem.

Wear long sleeves and long pants made of naturalfiberssuchascotton.

Stay hydrated.

Ensureyoucanexitthehomeifitcatchesfire(rememberifit’shotinsidethehouse,itisfourtofivetimeshotteroutside).

Fill sinks and tubs for an emergency water supply.

Place wet towels under doors to keep smoke and embers out.

Afterthefirehaspassed,checkyourroofandextinguishanyfires,sparksorembers.

Check inside the attic for hidden embers.

Patrolyourpropertyandextinguishsmallfires.

Iftherearefiresthatyoucannotextinguishwith a small amount of water or in a short periodoftime,call9-1-1.

Evacuateassoonasyouareset!

Alert family and neighbors.

Dressinappropriateclothing(i.e.,clothingmadefromnaturalfibers,suchascotton,andworkboots).Havegogglesandadrybandanaor particle mask handy.

Ensure that you have your emergency supply kit onhandthatincludesallnecessaryitems,suchasabatterypoweredradio,sparebatteries,emergencycontactnumbers,andampledrinking water.

Stay tuned to your TV or local radio stations for updates,orcheckthefiredepartmentWebsite.

Remainclosetoyourhouse,drinkplentyofwater and keep an eye on your family and pets until you are ready to leave.

INSIDE CHECKLIST

Shutallwindowsanddoors,leavingthemunlocked.

Removeflammablewindowshadesandcurtainsand close metal shutters.

Remove lightweight curtains.

Moveflammablefurnituretothecenteroftheroom,awayfromwindowsanddoors.

Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.

Leaveyourlightsonsofirefighterscanseeyourhouse under smoky conditions.

Shut off the air conditioning.

As the Fire ApproachesGET SET

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Go!Byleavingearly,yougiveyourfamilythebestchanceofsurvivingawildfire.Youalsohelpfirefightersbykeepingroadsclearofcongestion,enablingthemtomovemorefreelyanddotheirjob.

WHEN TO LEAVELeave early enough to avoid being caught in fire,smokeorroadcongestion.Don’twaittobe told by authorities to leave. In an intense wildfire,theymaynothavetimetoknockoneverydoor.Ifyouareadvisedtoleave,don’thesitate!

WHERE TO GOLeavetoapredeterminedlocation(itshouldbealow-riskarea,suchasawell-preparedneighbororrelative’shouse,aRedCrossshelterorevacuationcenter,motel,etc.)

HOW TO GET THEREHave several travel routes in case one route isblockedbythefireorbyemergencyvehiclesand equipment. Choose an escape route away fromthefire.

WHAT TO TAKETake your emergency supply kit containing your family and pet’s necessary items.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

The American Red Cross recommends every family have an emergency supply kit assembled longbeforeawildfireorotheremergencyoc-curs. Use the checklist below to help assemble yours. For more information on emergency sup-plies,visittheAmericanRedCrossWebsiteatwww.redcross.org.

Three-daysupplyofwater(onegallonperpersonperday).

Non-perishablefoodforallfamilymembersandpets(three-daysupply).

First aid kit.

Flashlight,battery-poweredradio,andextrabatteries.

Anextrasetofcarkeys,creditcards,cashor traveler’s checks.

Sanitation supplies.

Extraeyeglassesorcontactlenses.

Important family documents and contact numbers.

Map marked with evacuation routes.

Prescriptions or special medications.

Family photos and other irreplaceable items.

Easily carried valuables.

Personalcomputers(informationonharddrivesanddisks).

Chargersforcellphones,laptops,etc.

Note:Keepapairofoldshoesandaflashlighthandy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.

Early!

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WriteupyourWildfireActionPlanandpostitinalocationwhere every member of your family can see it. Rehearse it with your family.

Important Phone Numbers:

Out-of-StateContact: Phone:

Work:

School:

Other:

EvacuationRoutes:

Wheretogo:

LocationofEmergencySupplyKit:

Notes:

DuringHighFireDangerdaysinyourarea,monitoryourlocalmediaforinformationonbrushfiresandbereadytoimplementyourplan.Hot,dryand

windyconditionscreatetheperfectenvironmentforawildfire.

My Personal Wildfire Action Plan

California Department of Forestry and Fire ProtectionIf you have an emergency, call 911CALFIRE:916-653-5123Website:http://www.fire.ca.gov

READY, SET, GO!

Thisbooklethasbeenadaptedfromtheoriginal,created by the Ventura County Fire Department.