On July 16, Siskiyou County
declared a local emergency due to wildfires in the Elk fire Complex and the China Back
complex. 60-100 homes were in danger of burning in Happy Camp and 3-6 homes along Humbug
Creek. (You can get an update on fires at http://inciweb.org
) Mercifully, an unusual downpour of rain has slowed the progress of the China Back fire
substantially. Unfortunately, the rains just delayed attack on the Elk complex.
Many local areas have fire safe councils that can assist
neighborhoods in bettering their chances in case of wildfire. http://firesafesiskiyou.org Several of these
groups have voluntary crews to help those unable to clear brush and prune trees the
required 100 foot distance from buildings. (Public
Resources Code 4291 see http://www.fire.ca.gov/ ) Through joint efforts and grants, these
groups may be able to create a shaded fuel break around your community or clear along
evacuation routes from homes. The Siskiyou County Fire Safe Council and CALFire will have
exhibits to visit at the County Fair.
Since April, CAL Fire has visited 1,102 homes in Siskiyou County to
inspect for fire safety compliance. Some of the tips for preparing your house include: (1)
making sure your house numbers show clearly from the street, both day and night; (2) prune
lower tree branches 8 feet from the ground; (3) keep rain gutters and roofs free of leaves
and needles; (4) stack firewood at least feet from your house; (5) keep trees adjacent to
buildings trimmed and free of dead branches; (6) cover all vents with a 1/8 fine mesh
screen; (7) dispose of or pile flammable brush, grass, needles, firewood at least 30 feet
from your home; and (8) clear wooden decks, porches, walkways as well as fuel tanks of
flammable materials.
If you are told to evacuate, place a sprinkler on your roof and turn
it on just before leaving. Connect hoses to outside spigots. Close all windows and remove
flammable curtains. Leave your outside lights on. Turn off your propane. Post a list on
the door of the location of fire fighting equipment and potential hazards like fuel
storage. Post a note on the door stating who evacuated at what date and time, where they
might be located and a contact person.
It is helpful to prepare an emergency suitcase or “bugout bag”
ahead of time. Don’t forget eyeglasses; medication; money; checkbook; credit cards;
personal ID; list of important telephone numbers; list of important account numbers;
valuables such as family photos; personal financial records and property inventory for
insurance. (See http://www.ready.gov/ or http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/ or http://www.redcross.org/ or http://www.oes.ca.gov ) The more you plan ahead of time,
the less panic you will feel if an emergency happens and the more you will accomplish
toward being prepared when you evacuate.
If you have pets. that you are bringing with you, don’t forget
that you will need a pet carrier, two weeks of food and water, bowls, leashes,
medications, newspapers, blankets, toys and treats, disinfectants, cat box and litter.
Pets should wear collars with personal ID, rabies and license tags. Bring vaccination,
medical records, a current photo of the animal or other proof of ownership. Plan ahead on
where you will take them. If you decide to leave them, bring them indoors to a room with
no windows, but adequate ventilation, (such as a utility room, garage or bathroom.) Leave
dry food and a large container of water with a faucet drip – such as a partially
filled bathtub. |
