FIRE SAFETY & EVACUATION CHECKLISTS
Due to the unusual amount of fire activity throughout California last year, we are providing you
with the following information that hopefully will be beneficial to your planning and safety:
PRE-FIRE PREPARATION
1. Thin tree and brush cover
2. Dispose of trash and debris
left from thinning
3. Remove dead limbs, leaves 7. Prune branches to 10 feet
and other litter above the ground
4. Stack firewood 8. Trim branches
away from home 9. Clean roof and gutters
5. Maintain irrigated 10.Reduce density of
greenbelt surrounding forest
6. Mow dry grasses and
weeds
IF A WILDFIRE APPROACHES
__Park your vehicle facing out. Put valuables in the car. Keep car keys easily accessible.
__Secure pets. Prepare them for transporting.
__Close shutters and drapes.
__Place garden hose and buckets full of water around the house.
__Leave your electricity on and keep some inside lights on.
__Turn off gas at the meter or the propane tank.
__Dress in long pants, long-sleeved shirt, goggles or glasses, a bandanna to cover your
face and a baseball cap. 100% cotton clothing is best.
DURING EVACUATION
__Have your checklist and map ready listing actions you will take prior to and during evacuation.
__If you become trapped by fire while evacuating in your car, park in an area clear of vegetation,
close all vehicle windows and vents, cover yourself with a blanket or jacket and lie on the floor.
__If you are trapped by fire while evacuating on foot, lie face down in an area clear of vegetation
or in a swimming pool or defensible structure.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EVACUATE WHEN A FIRE APPROACHES
__Stay inside your house, away from outside walls and away from the area of fire.
__Keep all doors closed, but leave them unlocked.
__Keep your entire family together and REMAIN CALM. Remember, if it s hot in the house, it s
four or five times hotter and more dangerous outside. Exit after the wildfire has passed.
AFTER THE FIRE PASSES
__Check the exterior and roof immediately; extinguish all sparks and embers.
Use caution if you must climb on the roof.
__Check inside of attic for burning embers; extinguish any you find.
__Check your yard for burning woodpiles, trees, fence posts or other materials and extinguish.
TO GO CONTAINERS
Maintain TO GO containers that contain your important documents, computer backups,
pictures, and other items you would want to take with you should you have to evacuate.
This information was provided by www.buttefiresafe.org and www.ext.colostate.edu
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