Fire Watch Warnings Prompt Preparation Reminders

With the National Weather Service posting fire watch warnings and Pasadena officials monitoring the Bobcat Fire near Azusa, now is a good time for Pasadenans living near or in the foothills to take stock and plan how to react if an evacuation becomes necessary.

The first thing you should have ready, according to CAL FIRE, is to have an evacuation plan and evacuation bag ready to grab. 

Your evacuation plan should include details such as where to meet in separate, the best route to take to escape, and any alternative routes in case the initial evacuation road is blocked. Your plan should include what to take with you and any additional information you and your family should be aware of. 

To speed up the evacuation process, it’s recommended to have an evacuation bag ready to go before the evacuation is announced. According to CAL FIRE, these are a few items that should be within your evacuation bag: 

• Face masks or coverings
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
• Map marked with at least two evacuation routes
• Prescriptions or special medications
• Change of clothing
• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
• An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Sanitation supplies
• Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)

These are a few steps you can take before being evacuated. In the event of a fire, it’s best to evacuate as soon as you are notified. In case you have additional time and don’t need to evacuate immediately, there are a few more precautions you can take to further protect your home. 

If you can, close all windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Remove any flammable materials from both inside and outside, which can include curtains, furniture, and doormats. 

Turn off air conditioning, gas at the meter, and pilot lights. Leave exterior lights on so firefighters can see at night. Do not leave on sprinklers or water systems, as they may affect the local water pressure. Finally, check on your neighbors and make sure they are aware of the situation. 

Animals are another issue to keep in mind. Always keep your pets nearby and take them with you wherever you go in their pet carriers.  Additional planning may be required, depending on what kind of pet you have. Larger animals, such as horses, may require transportation to a local rescue ranch. 

Nonetheless, a pet evacuation bag should also be prepared and ready to take with you. According to CAL FIRE, items that should be included in these pet evacuation bags include: 

• Pet carrier for each pet
• Two week supply of food and water
• Non-spill food and water bowls
• Pet first-aid kit
• Medications and dosing instructions
• Car litter box and litter
• Plastic bags for waste disposal
• Paper towels
• Disinfectants
• Leashes/collars/harnesses
• Blankets
• Toys and treats
• Newspaper

Once you have everything you need, including pets and valued possessions, and you have prepped your house as much as you can, it’s time to get out of the area. You should evacuate as soon as it’s recommended by the fire department. Follow your plan and keep in contact with loved ones. 

During the evacuation, stay connected with any local news agencies to stay up to date with information regarding the fire and when to return. Only return home when instructed to do so. 

Once the evacuation notice has been lifted, and it’s safe to return home, do so carefully. Avoid downed power lines and report any potential fire restarts. Once inside your house, whether it was affected by the fire or not, check for the smell of gas. Do not use water from your faucet until officials say it’s okay. 

Finally, be aware that power may be an issue when you return. If you need to run a generator, be sure to run it outside, away from your house. 

It’s important to remember possessions can be replaced. Lives, however, cannot. Please take the necessary precautions to avoid any further disaster. The more prepared you are before the evacuation, the better the outcome.