WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU GO

When an evacuation is anticipated, follow these checklists — if time allows — to give your home the best chance of surviving a wildfire:

OUTSIDE

1 Monitor your property and the fire situation. Don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened and need to leave.

2 Check on neighbors and make sure they are preparing to leave.

3 Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures. Turn off propane tanks.

4 Gather up flammable items (patio furniture, toys, doormats, trash cans, etc.) from outside the house and bring them inside or place them in your pool.

5 Seal attic and ground vents with precut plywood or commercial seals.

6 Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof.

7 Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Fill water buckets and place them around your house.

8 Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness of night.

9 Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running; they can affect critical water pressure.

0 Put your emergency supply kit in your vehicle. ! Back your car into the driveway with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you.

INSIDE THE HOUSE

# Remove flammable window shades and curtains. Close metal shutters.

$ Turn off the air conditioning.

% Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions.

^ Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.

& Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked.

ANIMALS

* Locate your pets and keep them nearby. ( Prepare farm animals for transport, and think about moving them to a safe location early.

Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection