WILDLAND FIRE EVACUATION PLAN

WILDLAND FIRE EVACUATION PLAN

Pre-Fire Preparation o Have adequate clearance around structures of all flammable material, a minimum 100 feet (including wood piles). Greater distances may be required based on the slope. o Clear pine needles and leaves from gutters and roof. Trim back overhanging branches at least 10 feet from chimney. o Replace roofing and siding with nonflammable or fire resistive materials. o Reduce or remove flammable vegetation, including landscape plants, and replace with less flammable plants. o Maintain greenbelt modification around developed areas. o Have means of transporting pets readily available. o Collect valuables, medication and other personal items in one place and be ready to evacuate if necessary. o Conduct data collections on homeowners by the Neighborhood Watch Groups, if available. o Contact the Red Cross or Schell-Vista Fire for more pre-fire preparedness information and materials. o Clear at least 10 feet around propane tanks o Copies of important documents and computer files o Public agencies will carry out duties and functional responsibilities to the best of their ability considering the extent of the emergency and available resources. What to do if a wildfire is approaching o Park your vehicle facing out. o Put your valuables in the car, including important documents and medications. o Turn on outside lights and leave some inside ones on. o Place the keys where you can find them. o Secure pets and prepare them to be transported. o Remove thin drapes and other flammables Near Windows. o Close shutters and heavy drapes. o Leave your electricity on and leave some lights on. o Turn off gas at meter or propane tank. o Place a garden hose and buckets full of water around the house o Cover up by wearing long pants, long sleeved shirt, goggles or glasses and a baseball cap and a bandanna to cover your face. 100% cotton clothing is preferable. o Always drive with headlights on. 2

What Would Happen in the Case of an Evacuation? o The Fire Department may initially decide the areas to be evacuated and notify the occupants. The area to be evacuated will depend upon where the fire is, wind and fire behavior. o Law enforcement agencies are responsible for carrying out the evacuation. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for the security of areas that are evacuated. These may include deputies, officers, Search and Rescue personnel. o The Homeowner Group will work closely with the Sheriffs Department in the Command Post, to ensure care for disabled or non-ambulatory persons. o Emergency personnel may select a Safety Zone. Emergency Personnel may direct you to the selected Safety Zone during the evacuation process. o Red Cross will decide where people will be relocated for longer sheltering, if needed. Red Cross will have a representative in the Command Post. o If you choose not to go to a Red Cross shelter, you are advised to contact the Red Cross to provide information about your location, in the event family or friends are trying to find you. o California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Sonoma County Sheriffs Department will control traffic flow and maintain Access for emergency equipment. Evacuation Advisories o Evacuation notification: o Residents will be advised of potential hazards and the possibility of evacuations, Residents should prepare to have for two evacuations routes. o Precautionary: o Areas under a Precautionary Evacuation are in the influence zone of the fire. While not immediately in danger, changes in weather and/ or fire conditions could rapidly cause a threatening situation to occur. (Only residents with proper identification will be allowed in the affected areas.) o Immediate Threat: o An Immediate Evacuation is issued when the fire is moving towards an area and there is an immediate threat to life and property. Whenever an area is under Immediate Threat, all roads in the area will be closed to incoming traffic. o Area Closures: o Whenever an area is under Immediate Threat, the California Highway Patrol or the Sonoma County Sheriff will close roads in the area. 3

Sheltering Options: o Shelters: o Red Cross establishes shelters for the immediate and short-term housing and care of evacuated residents. o Alternative Locations: o Residents who do not wish to use Red Cross Shelters should determine in advance alternative housing locations. If you choose not to go to a Red Cross shelter, you are advised to provide information about your location, in the event family or friends are trying to find you. o Planning your Escape Route o The direction of your escape will be dictated by the location of the fire in relation to your home and the direction and speed it is spreading. The concepts on the next page will help you determine the safest travel route Primary Travel Routes: o Know the primary travel routes to a safe area o Be prepared to be directed by law enforcement or traffic control personnel. You must follow their directions. o Drive the route to your safety area in advance so that you will be prepared for the confusion of an actual emergency. During Evacuation o Prepare a checklist with all the actions you will take prior to and during evacuations, keep it with a map of the area. o If you become trapped by the 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. o If you are trapped by fire while evacuating on foot, select an area clear of vegetation or lie face down in a ditch. 4

If You Are unable to Evacuate When A Fire Approaches o Stay inside your house away from outside walls. o Keep all doors/windows closed but leave them unlocked. o Keep your entire family together and REMAIN CALM. Remember if it gets hot in the house, it is four to five times hotter and more dangerous outside. AFTER THE FIRE PASSES o Check the exterior and roof immediately, extinguish all sparks and embers. If you must climb on the roof, use caution. o Check inside the attic for hidden burning embers. o Check your yard for burning woodpiles, tress, fence posts and other When Can People Return to Their Homes? The Fire Department will determine when it is safe for citizens to move back into their homes. This will be done as early as possible. This will be announced through the media as well as on the Departments information lines, at roadblocks, safety zones, and relocation shelters. 1. Evacuation Order: Moving community members out of a defined area due to an immediate threat to life and property from an emergency incident. 2. Evacuation Warning: Alerting community members in a defined area of a potential threat to life and property from an emergency incident. An evacuation may be ordered as a result of the threat 3. Shelter in Place: Directing community members to stay secured inside their current locations. Only used if the safety of the citizens can be assured if they remain; or if evacuation will cause a higher potential for lose of life. 4. Safe Refuge Area: A temporary safe location to hold evacuees until evacuation routes are open. 5

How Will Citizens Be Notified o Fire Personnel o Home-to-home by the Sheriff s Department or volunteers. o Emergency Alert System (EAS), alerting on radio and TV o Local Radio Stations AM FM KCBS 740 106.9 KNBR 680/1050 - KSTY - 104.5 KFROG - 95.1 KSVY - 91.3