Amador County – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Amador-El Dorado Unit started its wildfire safety and awareness campaign this week, with one of the big recommendations being to initiate and practice a “Family Disaster Plan.”

New AEU Unit Chief Kelly Keenan said “preparing and practicing your Family Disaster Plan is critical,” and “being ready for wildfire season is your best defense. Preplanning for a disaster can save your life and the lives of the ones you love.”

Preparing and practicing your families disaster plan is also key to being ready for fire season, Keenan said. The plan can make evacuating ahead of a wildfire or other disaster far less stressful.

Creating a “Family Disaster Plan” is the first step in preparing for a disaster, Keenan said. “It is important that every member of your family understands what to do in the event of a wildfire in your area.”

Keenan recommended that families “practice the plan on a regular basis so that each member of your family knows their role and what they need to do.” Keep a copy of the written plan in an accessible place so you can refer to it quickly and easily.

Things to include in the plan are: meeting locations away from the home; and communication and evacuation plans for the family and pets. Families should identify where gas, water and electrical shut-offs are and how to use them.

People should plan several evacuation routes in their neighborhood and drive them so they are familiar with them day or night. Keenan said to “assemble emergency supply kits and have them ready for yourself, family and animals. Don’t forget to include a portable radio and/or scanner so you can stay updated.”

He said finally, take steps to make your home more fire resistant. If you are building a new home or renovating your home, consider making “fire resistive measures” for “hardening your home.”

“Roofs are the most vulnerable surface on your house,” Keenan said. “Make sure your roof is made out of Class A materials, such as composition, metal or tiles. Rain gutters should be screened or enclosed to prevent accumulation of plant debris which can catch on fire from a flying ember during a wildfire.”

Home exterior should be made of ignition resistant materials such as cement siding, stucco or fire retardant treated wood. Windows should be double paned with one of the panes made of tempered glass which will reduce the potential of the heat from a wildfire breaking the window and catching the interior of the house on fire.

If a home is dependent on a well for water, Keenan said, people should install a backup generator so they have water in case the electricity goes out.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.