CAMARILLO, CA — Critical wildfire weather is expected in parts of Southern California over the next several days and the American Red Cross urges people in those areas to get prepared now.
BEFORE A WILDFIRE Have access to alerts and notifications so that you can monitor conditions and receive instructions from local officials, even during a power outage. Keep track of fires near you so you can be ready to evacuate quickly. You may have only minutes to get out. Register to receive any free emergency alerts from your community. Understand your community’s plan to notify individuals with disabilities.
- Purchase a battery-powered radio to receive information from local authorities during a power outage.
- Find an outdoor water source such as a pond, well, even a swimming pool, and have a hose that can reach any area of your property.
- Create a fire-resistant zone free of leaves, debris, or flammable materials for at least 30 feet out from your home.
- Regularly clean roofs and gutters.
- Make sure driveway entrances and your house number are clearly marked so fire vehicles can get to your home.
- Designate a room that can be closed off from outside air. Close all doors and windows. Set up a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low when smoky conditions exist.
- Use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate or make repairs.
- Post emergency phone numbers by every phone in your house and make sure everyone has those numbers in their cell phones.
IF YOU HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and obey all evacuation orders from officials. Follow these steps (if time allows):
- Shut all windows and doors. Remove flammable window shades, curtains, and close metal shutters.
- Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
- Shut off gas at the meter; turn off pilot lights. Shut off the air conditioning.
- Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, toys, trash cans).
- Turn off propane tanks. Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.
- Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running, they can affect critical water pressure.
- Back your loaded car into the driveway and keep all doors and windows closed.
- Ensure your emergency supplies kit is in your vehicle.
- Locate your pets and take them with you.
For prolonged power outages, there are ways that you can minimize loss and keep everyone as comfortable as possible.
- Use flashlights in the dark — not candles.
- Don’t drive unless necessary. Traffic lights will be out, and roads could be congested.
- Turn off and unplug any appliances, equipment, and electronics. When the power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
- Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.
Each year, the Red Cross Central California Region responds to hundreds of disasters including wildfires, home fires and other weather-related events and helps people meet their most immediate needs. To request Red Cross assistance during a disaster, call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Red Cross services are free and available to all.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossCCR.
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