10 Tips for Staying Safe During Fire Season

With fire season in full swing, it’s a good time to be thinking about fire safety.  California is the state best known for wildfires, unfortunately, and this year is no exception.  CA fires are already making the news: California governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on August 18, 2020, due to the raging Northern CA fires.  California has already experienced almost 400 wildfires, and fire season typically runs through November, so there may be more to come.  With the potential danger and damage that comes with a wildfire, it’s important to keep fire safety in mind in order to protect yourself and your family.  Read on to learn 10 fire safety tips anyone can implement, especially if you live in an area affected by wildfires.

1. Stock your home with fire gear such as fire extinguishers and emergency fire blankets.  The kitchen, laundry room, and garage are good locations to keep these items.  Practice using this equipment in advance.  The time to figure it out is not during a fire!
2. Install smoke detectors and keep them in working order.  A good rule of thumb is to check them every month.  Bedrooms, hallways, the kitchen, basement, laundry room, and attic are important locations for smoke detectors.
3. Make an emergency evacuation plan.  It’s not enough to simply create the plan; make sure that everyone in your household knows how to follow it.  Your plan should include how to get out of your house safely, two different routes to get out of your neighborhood, and a meeting spot.  Practice the plan so that in case of a fire you already know what to do.
4. Create an emergency supply kit.  Place it in a safe spot that is easily accessible.  Make sure to include bottled water and food ( nonperishable items like granola bars are a great choice).   Also pack three days’ worth of medication, important documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and insurance records, and personal identification such as driver licenses and Social Security cards.  If you know that wildfires are moving in your direction, put your emergency supply kit in your vehicle.
5. Listen to your local authorities.  If there is a wildfire in your area, follow local updates online, on the radio, or on TV.  As soon as authorities order an evacuation, leave your home.  Do not wait around for things to get worse before leaving!
6. Prepare the exterior of your home for potential fire exposure by reducing flammable materials.  Leaves, debris, and dead vegetation are all fire hazards that easily ignite.  Clear them from your eaves, gutters, and anywhere else about 10 feet from your home. 
7. Prepare your property for potential fire exposure.  Remove any firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable material that’s within 30 feet of any buildings, including sheds and garages.
8. Keep your grass green with regular watering.  Dry grass is highly flammable and can easily ignite.
9. Check your roof and exterior for loose or missing shingles.  Loose or missing shingles provide open spots where embers can easily penetrate and set your house on fire.
10. Invest in window ladders for upper-level rooms.  Practice using them now so that no one gets stuck upstairs during a fire.

If you are concerned about fire safety during fire season or at any other time of year, visit the Security Pro USA online store.  We have everything you need to create an emergency supply kit in case of a fire.