Prepare for wildfire season, protect your home

ST. GEORGE — As we merge into wildfire season, it’s essential to be prepared and have an emergency evacuation plan in case the unthinkable occurs near your home. As part of the upcoming “Fire Hurts, Red Cross Helps” Campaign, the American Red Cross offers precautionary tips for keeping your family, home and valuables safe.

Tips for property:

  • Post emergency phone numbers by every phone in your home
  • Make sure driveway entrances and your house number or address are clearly marked
  • Identify and maintain an adequate water source outside your home
  • Set aside household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, ax, hand saw or chain saw, etc.
  • Select building materials and plants that resist fire
  • Regularly clean roofs and gutters
  • Plan and practice two ways out of your neighborhood in case your primary route is blocked
  • Select a place for family members to meet outside your neighborhood
  • Identify someone who is out of the area to contact if local phone lines are not working

Check out more about fire fuel types and the difference between defensible and non-defensible space in this video.

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Videocast by Amber Green, St. George News

Things to take with you if you have to evacuate:

  • Three day supply of water that includes one gallon per person per day
  • Three day supply of food that is not perishable and easy to prepare
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Seven day supply of medications and medical items
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash
  • Emergency blanket
  • Map(s) of the area
  • Other essential items that are sentimental or otherwise irreplaceable

To find out more about the “Fire Hurts, Red Cross Helps” Campaign click here or visit them on Twitter at @RedCross.

Submitted by The American Red Cross

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.

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