Follow the Fire Emergency Instructions for dialing 911 and assessing the location and nature of the fire. If the fire seems to be threatening, or if SEESI tells you to prepare to evacuate your home, follow the instructions below.
As time permits, follow the instructions below. do not risk your safety or that of others!!
Close all openings: windows, doors, garage doors, attic and foundation vents (use the wood or metal blocks you prepared).
Place door protection equipment over the outside of windows and deck doors as available (shutters, outside drapes, aluminum foil, plywood nailed over windows, etc.).
Remove flammable curtains and drapes from the interior of windows and deck doors. Close all venetian blinds.
Fill buckets, trash cans, other large containers with water. Soak burlap sacks, small rugs, or large rags for beating out burning embers and small fires.
Fill all bathtubs, sinks, washing machine, etc., with water.
Bring all flammable outdoor furniture and other combustibles indoors.
Clean all needles, leaves, and other debris off the roof.
Put as many vehicles as possible inside the garage, facing out for a fast getaway. All vehicles left outside should also face out. Close all windows in the vehicles. Close garage doors and windows. Disconnect automatic garage door opener; test to be sure manual opener works properly.
Place your valuables and pets in the car to be used in evacuation.
Open the fireplace or woodburning stove damper but close the fireplace screen.
Turn on lights in each room.
Turn off pilot lights at propane appliances.
Turn off propane at supply tank.
If emergency authorities recommend it, evacuate those in your family, and pets that need to leave. Know where they are going and the exact route they will take. Plan for future communication. Follow all instructions from emergency authorities!
Using the 5/8-inch hose, soak as many flammable grasses and trees as you can reach around your home, as well as the roof and walls of the house.
As time allows, for slowly-moving grass fires only, you may attempt to create a firebreak between the fire and your home by clearing the ground, with shovel and hoe, of flammable materials to a width of 2 or 3 feet. Small fires started by embers may be extinguished with soaked towels or a backpack pump. Note that a fire that is already burning in the crowns of the trees, or being driven by wind, or burning up a hill can move a fire at a tremendous speed and will easily jump any firebreaks you can create yourself. Leave immediately if the fire is moving swiftly, or if your escape road is in danger of being overrun !
If emergency authorities insist you evacuate, follow their instructions immediately.