Preparing for a forest fire in an urban area involves a combination of physical preparedness, planning, and awareness. Here are steps a family can take:
Physical Preparedness
  • Home Defense:
    • Clear Vegetation: Remove dead leaves, branches, and any flammable materials within 30 feet of your home. Trim low-hanging branches and keep grass mowed.
    • Use Fire-Resistant Materials: If possible, use materials like stone, brick, or metal on the exterior of your home, especially for roofing and siding.
    • Protect Openings: Install or check screens on vents to prevent embers from entering your home.
  • Emergency Supplies:
    • Go-Bag: Have an emergency kit ready with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, cash, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, clothes, and personal hygiene items.
    • Pet Supplies: Include items for pets if you have any, like food, water, leashes, carriers, and their medications.
  • Water Sources: Maintain full water containers for emergency use, and know where water shutoffs are located.
Planning
  • Evacuation Plan:
    • Routes and Meeting Points: Develop multiple evacuation routes from your home and neighborhood, and designate a meeting point outside your immediate area.
    • Communication: Establish an out-of-area contact person for everyone to check in with if separated.
  • Emergency Alerts:
    • Sign Up for Alerts: Register for local emergency notifications and know the local evacuation signals or alerts systems like sirens, text alerts, or apps.
  • Insurance: Review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to ensure you have adequate coverage for wildfire damage.
Awareness and Education
  • Stay Informed:
    • Regularly check weather updates, especially during fire season, for fire warnings or red flag warnings.
    • Understand the local geography and how fires might move in your area.
  • Community Involvement:
    • Participate in community preparedness workshops or drills. Many urban areas near forests have specific programs for fire safety.
  • Education:
    • Educate your family on what to do if a fire starts, including how to shut off utilities, use fire extinguishers, and what to do if they are caught in smoke.
During an Alert
  • Immediate Actions:
    • If an evacuation is ordered, do so immediately. Don’t wait to see if the fire changes direction.
    • If you have time, close all windows, doors, vents, and turn off gas at the meter.
  • If Trapped:
    • Stay inside, away from outside walls. Close all entries to reduce draft, and call 911 for help.
Remember, preparation is key in urban areas where forest fires can spread quickly due to the proximity of buildings and the potential for ember-caused fires. Regularly revisit your plan to adapt to changes in your environment or family situation.