Fire Disasters

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Step 1 to Creating a Family Disaster Plan — MAKE A PLAN officials declare it safe for re-entry. 

And if there’s time… l Be sure that all windows and doors are closed. l Open curtains and window coverings. l Lock your home. l Cluster lawn furniture and other things that might snag firefighter hose lines. l Leave exterior lights on, as this helps firefighters find the house in the smoke. l Don’t leave garden sprinklers on, as they can waste critical water pressure. l Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials. l Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes. l 

Take your family disaster supply kit. l Buy a Weather Alert capable radio and listen to it whenever severe weather is forecast. Be sure to have extra batteries for the radio. 

http://www.sbcounty.org/sheriffl Identify meeting locations both near your home and out-of- the-area. In the plan, include home, cell phone and e-mail contact information for all family members. Include numbers for work, school, and out-of-town relatives. List local emergency numbers including the family doctor. l 

Discuss what your family needs to do to evacuate due to a fire or other emergency. Be ready to move fast. Teach everyone the best escape routes out of the home and where to meet outside. Learn the safest places in the home to Drop, Cover and Hold On in case of an earthquake. l 

Plan to Shelter-in-Place. Shelter-in-place is used when it is safer to stay put and create a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside. When told to shelter- in-place, quickly bring your family and pets inside, lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers. Take emergency supplies and go into the room you have chosen. Turn off air conditioning, forced air heating systems, exhaust fans and clothes dryers if possible. Seal all windows, doors and vents. NOTE: Sheltering-in-place is a temporary measure intended to keep contaminated air outside. l 

Plan for your pets. Take pets with you if you evacuate. Be aware that pets other than service animals are not permitted in emergency public shelters for health reasons. In advance, prepare a list of family, friends, boarding facilities, veterinarians, and pet- friendly hotels that could shelter your pets in an emergency. 

Source: 

San Bernardino County Fire Department 

Office of Emergency Services 

San Bernardino, CA 92415-0451 

http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/SBCFire/content/oes/pdf/FamilyDisasterPlan.pdf