rsg hawaii your personal wildland fire action guide
DESCRIPTION
We have just received 10,000 copies (that's 40 extremely heavy boxes) of the first ever Hawaii version of the Ready, Set, Go! Wildland Fire Action Guide. We encourage every household and landowner/manager in the state of Hawaii to get a hold of the guide.In this Action Guide, we hope to provide tips and tools you need to prepare for a wildland fire threat (Ready), have situational awareness when a fire starts (Set), and to evacuate early (Go!).Features include:Hawaii's Growing Wildland Fire ProblemActions You Can Take TodayDefensible Space Creation - Hawaiian StyleHow to Harden Your HomeReady, Set, Go Action Guide Checklist for Your House and FamilyEmergency Preparedness Kit ChecklistReady, Set, Go Action Guide Checklist for Large Landowners and Land ManagersEmergency Contacts and Info. WorksheetOur Family's Home Evacuation Plan WorksheetResidential Safety ChecklistAnd More!Contact us if you would like copies to distribute to your friends, family members, neighbors, or anyone else you can think of. We are also able to hold Ready, Set, Go! workshops upon request in your community. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming workshops and events where we will be handing out the guides. Or, come by our office in Waimea (Kamuela) where we have boxes full of the guides!The guide was produced by Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO), made possible through a grant from the USDA Forest Service and with the help of HWMO's partners from the Pacific Fire Exchange, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources - Division of Forestry and Wildlife, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Fire Department, Honolulu Fire Department, Kauai Fire Department, and Maui Fire Department, in a cooperative effort with the International Association of Fire Chiefs. HWMO is an equal opportunity employer. This Hawaii version of the RSG Action Plan was made possible by The Cooperative Fire Program of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Pacific Southwest Region. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326 W. Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.Mahalo to IAFC for spearheading the collaboration and arranging for and funding the massive print-job!TRANSCRIPT
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YOUR PERSONAL WILDLAND FIRE ACTION GUIDE
READY, SET, GO!
HawaiiWildfire.org
Hawai'i
This guide was developed by:
In partnership with:
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Saving Lives and Property Through Advanced Planning
READY, SET, GO! Wildland Fire Action Guide
INSIDE Wildland Fire Urban Interface 3
HawaiisGrowingWildfireProblem 4-5
What is Defensible Space? 6
Actions You Can Take Today 7
DefensibleSpace-Hawaiian-Style 8
WhatisaHardenedHome? 9
CreatingaSafeHomeintheWUI 10-11
Ready,Set,Go!:YourOwnActionGuide12-14
LargeLandowners:ActionGuide 15-16
OurFamilysEvacuationPlan 17-19
ResidentialSafetyChecklist 20
ThispublicationwasproducedbyHawaiiWildfireManagementOrganization(HWMO),madepos-siblethroughagrantfromtheUSDAForestServiceandwiththehelpofHWMOspartnersfromthePacificFireExchange,HawaiiDepartmentofLandandNaturalResources-DivisionofForest-ryandWildlife,CollegeofTropicalAgricultureandHumanResourcesoftheUniversityofHawaiiatManoa,HawaiiFireDepartment,HonoluluFireDepartment,KauaiFireDepartment,andMauiFireDepartment,inacooperativeeffortwiththeInternationalAssociationofFireChiefs.HWMOisanequalopportunityemployer.ThenationalRSG!ProgramismanagedbytheInternationalAssociationofFireChiefs,fundedbytheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgricultureForestService,theUnitedStatesDepartmentoftheInterior,withpartnersupportfromtheUnitedStatesFireAd-ministration,FirewiseCommunitiesProgramandtheInsuranceInstituteforBusinessandHomeSafety.FormoreinformationontheRSG!Program,pleasevisitwww.wildlandfireRSG.org.
hefireseasonisnowayear-roundrealityinmanyareasacrosstheHawaiianIslands,requiringfirefightersandresidentstobeonheightenedalertforthethreatofwildlandfire.
Eachyear,wildlandfiresconsumehundredsofhomesacrossthenationintheWildland-UrbanInterface(WUI),andHawaiiisatasimilarrisk.Studiesshowthatasmanyas80percentofthehomeslosttowildlandfirescouldhavebeensavediftheirownershadonlyfollowedafewsimplefire-safepractices.Inaddition,wildlandfirerelateddeathsoccurbecausepeoplewaittoolongtoleavetheirhome.
Intheeventofawildlandfire,ourfirstresponderstakeeveryprecautiontohelpprotectyouandyourproperty.However,therealityisthatinamajorwildlandfireevent,therewillsimplynotbeenoughfireresourcesorfirefighterstodefendeveryhome.
Successfullypreparingforawildlandfireenablesyoutoproactivelytakepersonalresponsibilityforprotectingyourself,yourfamilyandyourproperty.InthisActionGuide,wehopetoprovidethetipsandtoolsyouneedtoprepareforawildlandfirethreat(Ready),havesituationalawarenesswhenafirestarts(Set),andtoactearly(Go!).
TheReady,Set,Go!Programworksincomplimentaryandcollaborativefashion with the FirewiseCommunitiesProgramandotherexistingwildlandfirepubliceducationefforts. Utilizingfirefightersandlocalwildlandfirepreventionexpertise,itamplifiestheirmessagestoindividualstobetterachievethecommongoalofwildlandfirepreparedness.
Manyresidentshavebuilthomesandlandscapedwithoutfullyunderstandingtheimpactafirecanhaveonthemandfewhaveadequatelypreparedtheirfamiliesforaquickevacuation.
Its not a question of if but whenthenextmajorwildlandfirewilloccur.Through advanced planning, understanding and preparation, we can all bepartnersinthewildlandfiresolution.Wehopeyoufindthetipsinthefollowingpageshelpfulincreatingheightenedawarenessandamorefire-safeenvironmentforyou,yourfamilyandfirefighters.
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ThisHawaiiversionoftheRSGActionPlanwasmadepossiblebyTheCoopera-tiveFireProgramoftheU.S.ForestService,DepartmentofAgriculture,PacificSouthwestRegion.InaccordancewithFederallawandU.S.DepartmentofAgriculturepolicy,thisinstitutionisprohibitedfromdiscriminatingonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,sex,age,ordisability.(Notallprohibitedbasesapplytoallprograms.)Tofileacomplaintofdiscrimination,writeUSDA,Direc-tor,OfficeofCivilRights,Room326-W,WhittenBuilding,1400IndependenceAvenue,SW,Washington,DC20250-9410orcall(202)720-5964(voiceandTDD).USDAisanequalopportunityproviderandemployer.
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3Living in the Wildland Urban Interface
and the Ember ZoneReady,Set,Go!Beginswitha
HouseThatFirefightersCanDefend
A homewithinonemileofanaturalareaisintheEmberZone.Wind-drivenemberscanattackyourhome.Youandyourhomemustbepreparedwellbeforeafireoccurs.Emberfirescandestroyhomesorneighborhoodsfarfromtheactualflamefrontofthewildlandfire.ThesethreatsareamplifiedinHawaiiduetotheculminationofthermal,saddle,storm,andtradewindsthatcreateacomplexsystemofstrong,erraticwinds(seediagramonright).
Defensible Space Works!Ifyoulivenexttoanaturalarea,theWildlandUrbanInterface,youshouldprovidefirefighterswith the defensible space they need to protect yourhome. Thebufferzoneyoucreatebyremovingweeds,brushandothervegetationhelpskeepthefireawayfromyourhomeandreducestheriskfromflyingembers. Firewise Communitiesandotherwildlandfireprepared-nesseducationprogramsprovidevaluableguidanceonpropertyenhancements.
Consider ThisUnmanagedvegetationbetweenandaroundhomesincreasestheriskofwildlandfirespreadingthroughoutthecommunity,endangeringlivesandproperty.Pre-fireplanning,fuelsmanagement,andsufficientfuelbreaksallowfirefightersthespacetheyneedtokeepfirefromenteringthecommunityduringawildlandfireevent.CheckoutthesephotosofWUIareasfromdifferentpartsoftheislands.Doanyofthemremindyouofwhereyouandyourfamilylive?
NotOnlytheHomesontheWildlandBoundaryareatRisk
Fireiswind-driven
.Kno
wyou
rwind-relatedris
ks.
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Hawaiis Growing Wildland Fire ProblemAndWhyWeShouldBeConcerned
Traditionally,Hawaiiecosystemsexistedwithaverylimitedpresenceofwildlandfire.However,asclimateconditionsandlanduseshavechangedoverrecenttime,non-native,fire-adaptedvegetationhaverapidlyspreadthroughourwildlandlandscapesandtowardcommunityboundaries.Inaddition,communitiesareexpandingfurtherintofire-proneareas,increasingtheriskofwildlandfiresthatthreatennaturalresources,includingnativehabitats,andpeopleslivesandhomes.
Impacts on Natural Resources
Invasive vegetation such as guinea and fountain grass spread easily andrapidly.
Theseplantsalsoigniteeasily.Afterthefire,theyre-sproutandout-com-pete native plants, spreading over a largerareathanbefore.
All it takes is another spark and thesameareawillburnhotter,moreintensely,andoveralargerareathanbefore.Thiscreatesaviciousfirecycle.
Mauka Fires Affect Makai Health and Safety
Inaddition,Hawaiishigh-intensityrain events can sweep away soil through erosion, runoff and land-slides.
Riversandstreamscarrythedebrisandsedimentintotheoceanpollutingcoral reefs and negatively affecting sealife.Thisadverselyaffectscom-mercesuchasfishingandmarine/coastal-basedtourism.
Wildlandfire,fueledbythebuild-upofdry vegetation and driven by acomplexsystemofhotdrywinds,areextremelydifficult,expensive,anddangeroustocontrol.Hawaiiswidediversityofchallenging terrains add to the challenge forfirefighters.
DidYouKnow?18%ofthestatelandcoverisnonnativegrassland.
Largefiresdestroyvegetationthathelpholddownsoil.Heavywindscan lift the soil and create dust stormsthatimpactairqualityandhumanhealth.4
Dust
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Impacts on People & CommunitiesTownsandcitiesexpandingoutward-lyintoformerlyundevelopedareas...
andasteadyincreaseinhumanignitionsourcesviahumanerrorandintention...
and large areas of fallow, invasive, orun-managedvegetation...
Future OutlookClimatechangeisincreasingthelengthandfrequency of drought periods, creating drier conditions.Scientistspredictthesetrendswillcontinue and even worsen, which will result in largerfiresthataremoresevereandintense.
We need to create resilientlandscapesandcommunitiesacrossHawaii.Youcanplayasignificantrolebyincreasingresilienceinandaroundyourownhomeandpreparingyourfamilyforapotentialwildlandfireevent.Usethefollowingpagesasaguideline.
HowYouCanMakeaDifference
Asmoreareasbecomedrier,theywillbecomemorepronetowildlandfire.Justbecauseyourareaiscurrentlygreen,asshownintheCommunitiesatRiskFromWildfiresmapbelow,doesntmeanitwillbeinfuture.Asaresult,itsbestifyoutakeactionnow,ratherthanlater,whenitmaybetoolate.
DidYouKnow?
From2002-2011,Hawaiiexperienced:
>900Wildlandfireignitions/year
>17,000acresburned/year
...areincreasingthesize,frequency,andintensityoffiresacrossalloftheislandsonbothwetanddrysides.
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6What is Defensible Space?
ZoneOneextends30feetoutfrombuildings,structures,decks,etc.
Removealldeadordyingvegetation.
Removeladder fuels(low-levelvegetationthatallowsthefiretospreadfromthegroundtothetreecanopy).Createatleast6feetofseparationbetweenlow-levelvegetationandtreebranches.Thiscanbedonebyreducingtheheightoflow-levelvegetationand/ortrimminglowtreebranches.
Createfire-freeareawithin5feetofhome,usingnon-flammablelandscapingmaterialsand/orhigh-moisturecontent,drought-resistantvegetation.
Trimtreecanopiesregularlytokeeptheirbranchesaminimumof10feetfromstructuresandothertrees.
Removeleaflitter(dryleaves/pineneedles)fromyard,roofandraingutters.
RelocatewoodpilesorothercombustiblematerialsintoZoneTwo.
Removecombustiblematerialandvegetationfromaroundandunderdecks,lanai,ortheentirehouseiffoundationispost-and-pier.
Removeorprunevegetationnearwindows.
Defensible space is the required space between struc-turesandthewildlandareathat,undernormalconditions, createsasufficientbuffertosloworhaltthespreadofwildfiretoastructure.Itprotectsthehomefromignitingduetodirectflameorradiantheat.Defensiblespaceisessentialforstructuresurvivabilityduringwildlandfireconditions. Formoreinformationaboutdefensiblespacezonesandpreparednesstechniqueswithineach,visittheFirewiseCommunitieswebsite,www.firewise.org.
ZONE ONE
ZONE TWOZoneTwoextends30to100feetoutfrombuildings,structuresanddecks.Youcanminimizethechanceoffirejumpingfromplanttoplantbyremovingdeadmaterialandremovingand/orthinningvegetation.Theminimumspacingbetweenvegetationisthreetimesthedimensionoftheplant.
Removeladderfuels.
Cutormowannualgrassdowntoamaximumheightof4inches.
Trimtreecanopiesregularlytokeeptheirbranchesaminimumof10feetfromothertrees/clusteroftrees.
*Forlargerproperties,considerareasoutsideofZoneTwoasathirdzonetoaddress.Continuereducingladderfuels,managingfuels,hardeningstructures,andproperlystoringcombustiblematerials.
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7Actions You Can Take Today!
Removeleaflitterandotherdebristhataccumulatearoundthebuild-ing, under vegetation, and other collectionareas.
Eliminateladderfuelsbypruningtree branches on trees around the property to within at least 6 feet of the ground, using a bypass lopper (seenabove),prunersaw,orlongreach/handpruner.
Weed around the property regu-larly, especially areas that a lawn mowerisnotappropriatefor(talldrygrasses,rockyterrain,etc.)
Non-nativetrees,suchasironwood(seenbelow)constantly drop needles, leaves, branches, and other debris,soitsbesttostayontopofremovingthemfromthegroundbeforethepilebecomesamajorproject.Considerreforestingtheseareaswithnativetreesthatdontdroplargeamountsofdebris.
Removeflammablematerialsfromunderneath the house, decks, porches,andlanai.Commonflammablesincludescrap-wood,firewood,andcombustiblefurniture.
Removeleaflitter,strawandotherdebrisfromunderandaroundpropanetankstocreate10feetofclearancearoundit.
Mowthelawnregularlytokeepgrassesshorterthan4inchestallaroundthehome.Donotmowinthe heat of the day or when the windisblowing.Nevermowindryvegetation.
Invasive grasses such as guinea and fountain grass growrapidlywhenun-managedandcandryoutveryquickly,creatingamajorfirehazard.Weedthemoftenandconsiderreplantingwithlow-lying,drought-tolerant,nativegroundcover.
Watch Out for Exotic Vegetation
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Defensible Space - Hawaiian StyleCreatingdefensiblespacedoesnotnecessarilymeanelimi-natingthepresenceofgreeneryonyourproperty.Youcanstilllandscapearoundyourhometomakeitfire-safewithoutcompromisingbeautyandaesthetics.Byplantingnative,drought-tolerantplants(xeriscaping)aroundyourhome,youcan:
Protectyourhomefromwildlandfireignitionandspread
Beautifyyourproperty
Perpetuateanimportantnaturalandculturalresource
Decreasethemaintenanceneedsofyourlandscaping
For the drier areas of Hawaii, consider that native dryland plants are specially adapted to local conditions and require lessupkeep,water,andfiremaintenance,savingyourselfagreatdealoftime,money,andresources.Non-native,lushplantsoftendrophazardousdebrisandcanbecomefireproneindroughtconditions.
DidYouKnow?
Thesamewindsthatblowhazardousdebristowardsacollectionarea(underneathshrubs,underthelanai,nexttoouteredgesofhome,etc.)willlikelycarryembersduringawildlandfiretothatsamespot,andignitethatpile.Thatswhyitsincrediblyimportanttoconstantlyremovedebrisfromtheseareaslongbeforeawildlandfireoccurs.
Considerselectingnativeplantsfromthislistthataremostrelevanttoyourarea:
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Homes with Great Xeriscaping
IlimaPapa Bonamia kia
Aalii Akoko Ihi
Nn Phinahina MaoHauHele
Kokio lei Wiliwili
Koaia Uhiuhi Hala Pepe
Ohia Lehua Kookoolau OheMakai
Iliahi Nehe Alahee
AlaalaWaiNui Kolomona Koaia
Mamaki Kolea MaiaPilo
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What is a Hardened Home?
ROOFSRoofsarethemostvulnerablesurfacewhereemberslandbecausetheycanlodgeandstartafire.Roofvalleys,openends of barrel tiles and rain guttersareallpointsofentry.
EAVESEmberscangatherunderopeneavesandigniteexposedwoodorothercombustiblematerial.
VENTSEmberscanentertheatticorotherconcealedspacesandignitecombustiblematerials.Ventsineavesandcornicesareparticularly vulnerable, as are any unscreened vents.
WALLS and FENCINGCombustiblesidingorothercombustibleoroverlappingmaterialsprovidesurfacesorcrevicesforemberstonestleandignite.Combustiblefencingcanbecomeengulfedandifattachedtothehomessidingscancarrythefirerighttothehome.
WINDOWS and DOORSEmberscanentergapsindoors,includinggaragedoors.Plantsorcombustiblestoragenearwindows can be ignited fromembersandgenerateheatthatcanbreakwindowsand/ormeltcombustibleframes.
BALCONIES and DECKSEmberscancollectinoroncombustiblesurfacesortheundersidesofdecks,lanai,andbalconies,ignitethematerialandenterthehomethroughwallsorwindows.Post-and-pierhomes,commonthroughoutHawaii,areespeciallyvulner-ablesincemost,ifnotall,oftheundersideofthehouseisexposed.
Tohardenyourhomeevenfurther,considerprotectingyourhomewitharesidentialfiresprinklersystem.Inadditiontoextinguishingafirestartedbyanemberthatentersyourhome,italsoprotectsyouandyourfamilyyear-roundfromanyfirethatmaystartinsideyourhome.
Constructionmaterialsandthequalityofthedefensiblespacesurroundingitarewhatgiveahomethebestchancetosurviveawildlandfire.Embersfromawildlandfirewillfindtheweaklinkinyourhomesfireprotectionschemeandgaintheupperhandbecauseofasmall,overlookedorseeminglyinconsequentialfactor.However,therearemeasuresyoucantaketosafeguardyourhomefromwildlandfire.Whileyoumaynotbeabletoaccomplishallthemeasureslistedbelow,eachwillincreaseyourhomes,andpossiblyyourfamilys,safetyandsurvivalduringawildlandfire.
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Gutter Guards or Screens
EnclosedEaves
ScreenedVents
Non-CombustibleFencing
WindowsClearofVegetation
Home Improvements
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Creating a Safe Home in the WUI
Inside: Keepworkingfireextinguishersonhand.Installsmokealarmsoneachlevelofyourhomeandnearbedrooms.Testthemmonthlyandchangethebatteriestwiceayear.
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Home Site and Yard: Ensureyouhaveatleasta100-footradiusofdefensiblespace(clearedvegetation)aroundyourhome.Notethatevenmoreclearancemaybeneededforhomesinseverehazardareas.Thismeanslookingpastwhatyouowntodeterminetheimpactacommonslopeorneighborsyardwillhaveonyourpropertyduringawildlandfire.
Cutdryweedsandgrassbeforenoonwhentemperaturesarecoolertoreducethechanceofsparkingafire.
Landscapewithfire-resistantplantsthathaveahighmoisturecontentandarelow-growing.
Keepwoodpiles,propanetanksandcombustiblematerialsawayfromyourhomeandotherstructuressuchasgarages,barnsandsheds.
Ensurethattreesarefarawayfrompowerlines.
Roof: Yourroofisthemostvulnerablepartofyourhomebecauseitcaneasilycatchfirefromwind-blownembers.Homeswithwood-shakeorshingleroofs are at high risk of being destroyed during a wildlandfire.
Buildyourrooforre-roofwithfire-resistantmateri-alssuchascomposition,metal(asseeninpicture)ortile.Blockanyspacesbetweenroofdeckingandcoveringtopreventemberintrusion.
Clearpineneedles,leavesandotherdebrisfromyourroofandgutters.
Cutanytreebrancheswithintenfeetofyourroof.
Driveways and Access Roads: Driveways should be designedtoallowfireandemergencyvehiclesandequipmenttoreachyourhouse.
Accessroadsshouldhaveaminimum10-footclearance on either side of the traveled section of theroadwayandshouldallowfortwo-waytraffic.
Ensurethatallgatesopeninwardandarewideenoughtoaccommodateemergencyequipment.
Trimtreesandshrubsoverhangingtheroadtoaminimumof1312feettoallowemergencyvehiclestopass.
Deck/Patio Cover: Useheavytimberornon-flammableconstructionmaterialfordecks.
Enclosetheundersideofbalconiesanddeckswithfire-resistantmaterialstopreventembersfromblowingunderneath.
Keepyourdeckclearofcombustibleitems,suchasbaskets,driedflowerarrangementsandotherdebris.
Thedeckingsurfacemustbeignitionresistantifitswithin10feetofthehome.
Non-Combustible Fencing:Makesuretousenon-combustiblefencingtoprotectyourhomeduringawildlandfire.
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Creating a Safe Home in the WUI
Address:Makesureyouraddressisclearlyvisiblefromtheroad.
Walls: Wood products, such as boards, panels or shingles,arecommonsidingmaterials.However,theyarecombustibleandnotgoodchoicesforfire-proneareas.
Buildorremodelwithfire-resistantbuildingmaterials,suchasplaster,cement,masonryorstucco.
Besuretoextendmaterialsfromfoundationtoroof.
Windows:Heatfromawildlandfirecancausewindowstobreakevenbeforethehomeignites.Thisallowsburningemberstoenterandstartinternalfires.Single-panedandlargewindowsareparticularlyvulnerable.
Installdual-panedwindowswiththeexteriorpaneoftemperedglasstoreducethechanceofbreakageinafire.
Limitthesizeandnumberofwindowsinyourhomethatfacelargeareasofvegetation.
Vents:Ventsonhomesareparticularlyvulnerabletoflyingembers.
Allventopeningsshouldbecoveredwith18-inchorsmallermetalmesh.Donotusefiberglassorplasticmeshbecausetheycanmeltandburn.
Atticventsineavesorcornicesshouldbebaffledorotherwiseprotectedtopreventemberintrusion(meshisnotenough).
Water Supply:Havemultiplegardenhosesthatarelongenoughtoreachanyareaofyourhomeandotherstructuresonyourproperty.
Ifyouhaveapoolorwell,considerapump.
Garage:Haveafireextinguisherandtoolssuchasashovel,rake,bucketandhoeavailableforfireemergen-cies.
Installasoliddoorwithself-closinghingesbetweenlivingareasandthegarage.Installweatherstrippingaroundandunderdoortopreventemberintrusion.
Storeallcombustiblesandflammableliquidsawayfromignitionsources.
Chimney: Coveryourchimneyandstovepipeoutletswithanon-flammablescreenof14-inchwiremeshorsmallertopreventembersfromescapingandignitingafire.
Makesurethatyourchimneyisatleast10feetawayfromanytreebranches.
Non-Combustible Enclosed Eaves:Boxineaveswithnon-combustiblematerialstopreventaccumulationofembers.
Raingutters: Screen or enclose rain gutters to preventaccumulationofplantdebris.
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Nowthatyouvedoneeverythingyoucantoprotectyourhouse,itstimetoprepareyourfamily.YourWildland Fire Action Guidemustbepreparedwithallmembersofyourhouseholdwellinadvanceofafire.Usethesecheckliststohelpyou gain a situational awareness of the threat andtoprepareyourWildlandFireActionGuide. Formoreinformationonpropertyandhomepreparednessbeforeafirethreat,reviewthepreparedness checklist on the Firewise Communitieswebsite,www.firewise.org.
READY, SET, GO! Create Your Own
Action Guide
Create a Family Disaster Planthatincludesmeetinglocationsandcommunicationplansandrehearseitregularly.Includeinyourplantheevacuationofpetsandlargeanimalssuchashorses.
Havefireextinguishersonhandandtrainyourfamilyhowtousethem.
Ensurethatyourfamilyknowswhereyourgas,electricandwatermainshut-offcontrolsareandhowtousethem.
Planseveraldifferentevacuationroutes.
Designateanemergencymeetinglocationoutsidethefirehazardarea.
AssembleanemergencysupplykitasrecommendedbytheAmericanRedCross(www.redcross.org).
Appointanout-of-areafriendorrelativeasapointofcontactsoyoucancommunicatewithfamilymemberswhohaverelocated.
Maintainalistofemergencycontactnumberspostednearyourphoneandinyouremergencysupplykit.
Keepanextraemergencysupplykitinyourcarincaseyoucantgettoyourhomebecauseoffire.
Have a portable radio or scanner so you can stay updatedonthefire.
Have a clear list and easy access location for necessarymedications,glassesandotherhealthaids.
Ready Preparing for the Fire Threat
TalktoyourcommunitymembersandcommunityassociationaboutcreatingaCommunityWildfireProtectionPlan(CWPP).HawaiiWildfireManagementOrganizationcanassistwiththisprocess.
TakeActionforYourCommunity
CoordinatewithlocalcountyCERTteams.
Gettoknowyourneighbors.Ifthereareanyelderly or handicapped residents, or others withlimitedmobility,planwiththemonhowyoucanbestassistthemintheeventofawildlandfire.
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Outside Checklist Gatherupflammableitemsfromtheexteriorofthehouseandbringtheminside(e.g.,patiofurniture,childrenstoys,doormats,etc.)orplacetheminyourpool.
Turnoffpropanetanks.
Dontleavesprinklersonorwaterrunning-theycanwastecriticalwaterpressure.
Leaveexteriorlightson.
Backyourcarintothedriveway.Shutdoorsandrollupwindows.
Havealadderavailable.
Patrolyourpropertyandextinguishallsmallfiresuntilyouleave.
Sealatticandgroundventswithpre-cutplywoodorcommercialsealsiftimepermits.
Evacuateassoonasyouareset!Donotwaitforevacuationorders.Getoutearly-youcanalwaysreturnhomeifitissafe.Thisprotectsyou,decreasestraffic,andallowsfirefighterstofocusonfiresuppression.SeemoreundertheGosection.
Alertfamilyandneighbors.
Dressinappropriateclothing(i.e.,clothingmadefromnaturalfibers,suchascotton,andworkboots).Havegogglesandadrybandanaorparticlemaskhandy.
Ensurethatyouhaveyouremergencysupplykitonhandthatincludesallnecessaryitems,suchas a battery powered radio, spare batteries, emergencycontactnumbers,andampledrinkingwater.
StaytunedtoyourTVorlocalradiostationsforupdates,orcheckthefiredepartmentWebsite.
Remainclosetoyourhouse,drinkplentyofwaterandkeepaneyeonyourfamilyandpetsuntilyouarereadytoleave.
Set Situational Awareness When a Fire Starts
If You are Trapped: Survival Tips Shelterawayfromoutsidewalls.
Bringgardenhosesinsidehousesoembersdontdestroythem.
Patrolinsideyourhomeforspotfiresandextinguishthem.
Wearlongsleevesandlongpantsmadeofnaturalfiberssuchascotton.
Stayhydrated.
Ensureyoucanexitthehomeifitcatchesfire(rememberifitshotinsidethehouse,itisfourtofivetimeshotteroutside).
Fillsinksandtubsforanemergencywatersupply.
Placewettowelsunderdoorstokeepsmokeandembersout.
Afterthefirehaspassed,checkyourentirepropertyandextinguishanyfiresorembers.
Iftherearefiresthatyoucannotextinguishwithasmallamountofwaterorinashortperiodoftime,call9-1-1.
Inside Checklist Shutallwindowsanddoors,leavingthemunlocked.
Removeflammablewindowshadesandcurtainsandclosemetalshutters.
Removelightweightcurtains.
Moveflammablefurnituretothecenteroftheroom,awayfromwindowsanddoors.
Shutoffgasatthemeter.Turnoffpilotlights.
Leaveyourlightsonsofirefighterscanseeyourhouseundersmokyconditions.
Shutofftheairconditioning.
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Go Leave EarlyByleavingearly,yougiveyourfamilythebestchanceofsurvivingawildlandfire.Youalsohelpfirefightersbykeepingroadsclearofcongestion,enablingthemtomovemorefreelyanddotheirjobinasaferenvironment.
WHEN TO LEAVELeaveearlyenoughtoavoidbeingcaughtinfire,smokeorroadcongestion.Dontwaittobetoldbyauthoritiestoleave.Inanintensewildlandfire,theymaynothavetimetoknockoneverydoor.Ifyou are advised to leave, dont hesitate!
WHERE TO GOLeavetoapredeterminedlocation(itshouldbealow-riskarea,suchasawell-preparedneighbor or relatives house, a Red Cross shelter orevacuationcenter,motel,etc.).YourlocalCommunityWildfireProtectionPlanwillalsohavelocationslisted.
HOW TO GET THEREHave several travel routes in case one route is blockedbythefireorbyemergencyvehiclesandequipment.Chooseanescaperouteawayfromthefire.
WHAT TO TAKETakeyouremergencysupplykitcontainingyourfamilyandpetsnecessaryitems.
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
TheAmericanRedCrossrecommendseveryfam-ilyhaveanemergencysupplykitassembledlongbeforeawildlandfireorotheremergencyoccurs.Usethechecklistbelowtohelpassembleyours.Formoreinformationonemergencysupplies,visittheAmericanRedCrossWebsiteat www.redcross.org.
Three-daysupplyofwater(onegallonperpersonperday).
Non-perishablefoodforallfamilymembersandpets(three-daysupply).
Firstaidkit.
Flashlight,battery-poweredradio,andextrabatteries.
Anextrasetofcarkeys,creditcards,cashortravelerschecks.
Sanitationsupplies.
Extraeyeglassesorcontactlenses.
Importantfamilydocumentsandcontactnumbers.
Mapmarkedwithevacuationroutes.
Prescriptionsorspecialmedications.
Familyphotosandotherirreplaceableitems.
Easilycarriedvaluables.
Personalcomputers(informationonharddrivesanddisks).
Chargersforcellphones,laptops,etc.
Note:Keepapairofoldshoesandaflashlighthandyincaseofasuddenevacuationatnight.
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READY, SET, GO! For Large Landowners &
Land Managers
Ready Gothroughthepreviousguidelines(pgs.12-14)withyourfamilyinadditiontothissection.
Haveatleasttwoexitsforyourheadquartersandprimaryresidenceforyourevacuationplan.
IfyouhaveaGPSdevice,pre-programitwithmultipleescaperoutes.
Keepanemergencysupplykitinallranchandpersonalvehicles.
Prepare Your Family, Employees, and Visitors
Prepare Your Animals Createalivestockevacuationplan.
Ensureproperregisteringandbrandingoflivestock.
Establishaback-upplanforfeedinglivestockifgrazinglandisdestroyedbyfire.
Prepare Your Property Createandmaintainfirebreaks(vegetationremoveddowntobare,mineralsoil)eachyearpriortofireseasonaroundpasturesandstructures.Thiswillallowaccessforsuppression.Thewidthofthefirebreaksshouldbeatleast3xthefuelheight.
Reducevegetationandremovecombustiblematerialaroundallstructures.
Whenselectingforunderstoryvegetation(belowtrees),choosethosethatarelessfire-proneanddont dry out quickly, and those that dont create ladderfuels.
Prioritizeassetsbyassessingtheriskandvalueofeachandtheeffortitwouldtaketoprotectthem.
Maintainyourequipment(powertools,mowers,catalyticconverters,etc.)Makesureworkingsparkarrestorsareinstalledandmaintainedonequipment.
Reinforcefenceswithmetalposts,ifapplicable.
Createasafezoneclearofallvegetationforequipment.
Clear vegetation around fuel tanks and other highly combustibleequipment.
Createafirepre-planforyourpropertythatincludesinsightsfromyourfiredepartmentandwildlandfireexperts.Discussyourplanandpropertyspecificswithlocalfirefightersaheadoftime.(Seepre-planinsertonnextpage).
Tracktheweatherdaily.Takenoteofchangingconditions.
If the weather is too dry: close the area, avoid riskyequipmentoperations,ordrivingoverdryvegetation.Firescanstartbysimplyidlingyourcarovergrass.Makesureallvehiclescatalyticconvertersareinworkingorder.
KnowYourAreasConditions
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Havesuppressiontools&methodsavailableonsite:
Fireextinguisher
Water
Fire tools
CatchtheFireBeforeitBurnsOutofControl
Phone on site
Keystothedozer
For Large Landowners & Land ManagersSet
Hookupyourstocktrailerandloadyouranimals.
Unlock and open gates so livestock can escape flamesandfirefighterscangainaccess.
Close all barn doors so horses and livestock will not gointoaburningbuilding.
Your Animals
Your Property Followguidelinesfrompage13.
Moveequipmentintoasafezonethatisclearofcombustiblefuels.
Closealldoors,windows,andturnonexterior/interiorlightsinbarnsandotherstructures.
Shutoffgassupplyandpropanetanks.
Your Family, Employees, and Visitors
Followguidelinesfrompage13.
Alertfamily,ranchhands,fieldworkers,oranyoneelsewhoisonyourproperty.
Makesureyouhaveacontactlistormeetinglocationcoordinatedaheadoftimetoensureeveryonessafety.
Makesureaddresspostsareclearlyvisibleandmarkedincontrastingcolors.
Keepcopiesofgatekeysandawrittenlistofcombinationsinaknownlocation.
Makesureyourpropertyisproperlymappedoutandthatyourcountyfiredepartmenthasacopyofthemap.
Maintainroadsfarinadvanceoffireseason.Makesurethereisenoughroomforfiretruckstodrivethroughandthatlargeturn-outsforemergencyvehiclesareavailable.Hazardstolook out for include: overhanging trees, low power lines, bridges with weight restrictions, boggy areas, and rural residence internal fencing.
Establishsafetyzones(largeareasfreeofvegetationandotherhazardousconditionsforfirefighterstoretreatto).
Maximizewatersourceaccessandavailability(hydrants,ditches,reservoirs,watertanks,etc.).Ensurepumpsandhosesareavailableandthatthesizeandtypeofoutletsarestandardfittings.
Ifyouwouldliketoofferyourequipment(water,tank,tractor)forfirefighting,makearrangementsandcontactspriortouseforpropertrackingandreimbursement.
Pre-Plan:EnsureFirefightersHaveAccess
Go Followguidelinesfrompage14.
Ensureallpeoplehavesafelyevacuated.
Stayincommunicationwithfireoperations.Askquestions,offerassistance,andgivepermission.Your invaluable knowledge of the area will prove usefulforfirefighterswhoaretheretohelpprotectyourlandandresources.Firecrewscanthenrunanoperationthatmeetsyourneedsaswellastheirs.
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Post in a location where everymemberofyourfamilycanseeit,suchasonthefridgeornexttoaphone.
Out-of-StateContact: Phone: WorkPhone#1: WorkPhone#2:
Ourchild(ren)sschool(s)evacuateto: SchoolPhone#(s):
Child(ren)sschool-approvedalternativeemergencycontact:
Other #s:
EvacuationRoutes:
Where to go:
LocationofEmergencySupplyKit:
WellbeforefiredangerisHIGH,prepareyourfamilyandresidenceforpotentialwildfires.Monitoryourlocalmediaforthelatestinformationonanyincident,andmakecertainyourmobilephoneshave
emergencyInCaseofEmergency(ICE)informationloaded.
Our Familys Wildland Fire Action Guide
HawaiiCountyFireDept.(808)932-2912
HonoluluCountyFireDept.(808)723-7163
MauiCountyFireDept.(808)244-9161
KauaiCountyFireDept.(808)241-4985
LocalFireDepartmentNumbers(Circletheappropriatecontact)
RemembertoPRACTICEyourevacuationplanseveraltimeseachyearwithyourfamily!
Safety Tip
Primary:
Secondary:
Additionalimportantitems(glasses,medications,medicalaids,etc.)andwheretheyrekept:
Neighborsweveagreedtoassist:
Name:Phone #:Address:How weve agreed to help:
Name:Phone #:Address:How weve agreed to help:
HawaiiWildfire.org
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Emergency Plan NotesUsethespacebelowtoaddanyadditionalinformationtoyourfamilysevacuationplan:
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Our Familys Home Evacuation PlanDrawafloorplanormapofyourhomewiththespaceprovidedbelow:
Showalldoorsandwindows.
Marktwowaysoutofeachroomwitharrows(1stchoice:solidand2ndchoice:dotted).
Markallsmokealarmsinthehousewitha.Markallfireextinguisherswitha.
Markyouremergencykitwitha.Keepkitsclosetoyour2mainexits.
Pickandmarkamainmeetingplace(andabackupalternative)outsidethehousewhereeveryonecanmeet,awayfromanyhazards.
Remembertopracticeyourplanatleasttwiceayear.
Example:
Post in a location where everymemberofyourfamilycanseeit,suchasonthefridgeornexttoaphone.
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READY, SET, GO!Residential Safety Checklist
TipsToImproveFamilyandPropertySurvivalDuringAWildlandFire
Home Yes No1. Doesyourhomehaveametal,composition,ortile(orothernon-combustible)roof
with capped ends and covered fascia?
2. Aretherainguttersandrooffreeofleaves,needlesandbranches?
3. Areallventopeningsscreenedwith1/8inch(orsmaller)meshmetalscreen?
4. Areapprovedsparkarrestorsonchimneys?
5. Doesthehousehavenon-combustiblesidingmaterial?
6. Aretheeavesboxedinandthedecks,lanai,and/orpier-and-postsenclosed?
7. Arethewindowsmadeofatleastdouble-panedortemperedglass?
8. Arethedecks,porches,lanai,andothersimilarareasmadeofnon-combustible materialandfreeofeasilycombustiblematerial(e.g.plasticfurniture)?
9. Isallfirewoodatleast30feetfromthehouse?
Defensible Space Yes No1. Isdeadvegetationcleared100feetfromthehouse?
(Consideraddingdistanceduetoslopeofproperty.)
2. Isthereseparationbetweenshrubs?
3. Areladderfuelsremoved?
4. Isthereacleanandgreenareaextendingatleast30feetfromthehouse?
5. Isthereanon-combustibleareawithinfivefeetofthehouse?
6. Isthereseparationbetweentrees/treeclusters?
Emergency Access Yes No1. Isthehomeaddressvisiblefromthestreet?
2. Isthehomeaddressmadeoffire-resistantmaterials?
3. Arestreetsignspresentateveryintersectionleadingtothehouse?
4. Arestreetsignsmadeoffire-resistantmaterials?
5. Isflammablevegetationwithin10feetofthedrivewayclearedand areoverhangingobstructionsremoved?
6. Ifalongdrivewayispresent,doesithaveasuitableturnaroundarea?
Ready, Set, Go!www.wildlandfireRSG.org
HawaiiWildfireManagementOrganizationwww.hawaiiwildfire.org