Happy Tuesday! California Insurance Group (CIG), one of our preferred insurance carriers at Haley Insurance Marketing, has issued a newsletter featuring wildfire safety and preparation. In light of this crazy fire season were starting out with, I wanted to share with my friends and customers :) Some are a bit extreme, of course, but were all better off being over-prepped, right?! Here goes... Wildfires are a serious threat to people, pets, homes, businesses, and property. As of June 10, 2014, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported 4,258 wild land fires have burned more than 340,000 acres throughout Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. The NIFC furthers predicts an “above normal fire potential” to continue for most of California, Nevada, Oregon and portions of Washington during the months of July, August and September this year. Wildfires happen fast and spread even faster, so it’s vital to prepare for “the unexpected” now. Assembling an emergency disaster kit is your first step on the path to preparedness. Always keep your kit in an easily accessible place and stocked with these essentials: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, including any special dietary items; Three gallons of commercially bottled water per person, more if in the heat of the summer; A complete change of clothing, including long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Additional items to have ready: Manual can opener and eating utensils / Flashlight and extra batteries Sleeping bags First-aid kit / Whistle to signal for help Dust masks to filter out smoke Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Matches stored in a waterproof container Paper and pencils Important family documents, preferably in a waterproof, portable container Vital medications Phone number of a friend or relative (preferably out-of-state) whom family members can call if they get separated A supply of cash, traveler’s checks and loose change Don’t forget an evacuation kit for your pets Three Common Questions about Evacuating (1) “I believe I’ve spotted a wildfire, but have not heard any news reports and have not been instructed to evacuate my home.” If you have spotted a potential wildfire, never assume someone else has reported it. Call 9-1-1 immediately! Provide as much detail as you can to the dispatcher, speaking slowly and in a calm, clear manner. Be prepared to answer questions. If instructed to evacuate, do so immediately. (2) “I have been instructed to evacuate my home.” If you’ve been told to evacuate your home, do so immediately! Grab your emergency disaster kit and instruct all family members to get in your vehicle quickly, calmly and safely. Choose the furthest and safest route from the fire hazard. Keep watch on changes in speed and direction of the fire and smoke during evacuation. Be sure to notify someone as to the time you left and where you are going. (3) “I have heard reports of a wildfire in my area, but have not been told to evacuate.” Don’t leave anything to chance. If you haven’t received instructions from one news source on evacuation, be sure to confirm this with as many reliable sources in your area as possible. This is also a good time to put your emergency disaster kit in your vehicle. Not been told to evacuate and have time to prepare your home? FEMA makes the following recommendations. Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area in the event you need to evacuate. Dress in protective clothing when outside, such as sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothes, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face. Cover outside openings to the home, such as attic, eaves and basement vents, windows, doors, pet doors, etc. Remove all flammable drapes and curtains. Close all shutters, blinds or heavy non-combustible window coverings to reduce radiant heat. Keep all doors inside the house closed to prevent draft. Be sure to open the damper on your fireplace, but close the fireplace screen. Shut off any natural gas, propane or fuel oil supplies at the source. Connect garden hoses to outdoor water faucets and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs or other large containers with water. Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Leave sprinklers on and drenching these structures as long as possible. Always be mindful of water use restrictions in areas affected by wildfires. If you have gas-powered pumps for water, make certain they are fueled and ready for operation. Place a ladder against the house in plain sight. Place valuable papers, mementos and anything “essentials” inside the car in the event of quick departure. Leave a light on in every room to make the house more visible in heavy smoke. Keep outside lights on for the same reason. Sponsored by: 2014 © Capital Insurance Group, 2300 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 17:32:06 +0000
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