Do you know your 'Ready, Set, Go'?

Living near California's natural areas means facing a higher chance of wildfires. Knowing how to prepare is key to keeping your home and family safe. CAL FIRE has a "Ready. Set, Go" program that educates foothills residents on how to prepare for a wildfire incident. "Ready" – If you've been reading our Firewise articles, you know about Home Hardening and creating Defensible Space. These steps are the "Ready" in preparing for chances of wildfires in our area. "Set" – Getting "set" means preparing your family and your home for a potential evacuation. It involves these steps: 1. Create a Wildfire Action Plan that includes options for evacuation routes, a designated meeting place, arrangements for animals and a communication plan. Be sure to sign up for Placer Alert (see link below). 2. Prepare your entire family by reviewing your Wildfire Action Plan with everyone. There are many resources for all populations, young and old (see below). Practice the plan and review regularly, especially during fire season or Red Flag Warning days. 3. Pack a "Go Bag" for each member of the family. It should include food and water, prescriptions, at least one change of clothing, important documents, first aid supplies and pet supplies. "Go" – If necessary, here are some steps to take for a calm, orderly evacuation (see a complete list with links below): 1. Prepare your home inside and out for potential fire risk or firefighting efforts. Close all windows and doors but keep unlocked. Leave interior and exterior lights on for firefighters to see through smoke. Turn off gas and all pilot lights. Attach garden hoses to hose bibs, and leave ladders available. 2. Review your Wildfire Action Plan and monitor wildfire updates. Put your Go Bag in the car, and get pets ready to evacuate. For more information on Ready, Set, Go, visit the CAL FIRE site at readyforwildfire.org. If you have any questions about this article or any other Firewise related subject, contact your Firewise Residential Leader, or Dory Cox at 530-401-1750.