Preparing for Fire Season

There are many things you can do to be prepared to be safe and ready for fire season. These are things you can do as an individual, as a household and in collaboration with neighbors. A resilient neighborhood is one that can quickly respond in emergency and one that has the resources and knowledge to meet needs at a moments notice. The tips listed below, (also outlined on this printable pdf in English or Spanish) are good advice for any time of year but especially for fire season. Don't delay and be prepared!  

We recommend reaching out to your neighbors and figuring out a plan for your immediate area--the houses closest to you. Start with this handout in English (or Spanish) and begin a discussion in person or on the phone. 

neighbors helping neighbors

Neighborhood Readiness

As neighbors we can help to ensure we are all prepared for the next emergency. Encourage each other to be prepared, know which neighbors might need support preparing for or during an evacuation. Review the Citizens Organized to Prepare for Emergencies (COPE) Program site, srcity.org/COPE, to learn more about how neighbors can connect and help each other prepare for an emergency. Link to program is in the back of this pamphlet. About COPE Citizens Organized to Prepare for Emergencies (COPE), was started by residents of the Santa Rosa Community of Oakmont, in cooperation with the Santa Rosa Fire Department and the American Red Cross.

COPE focuses on:

  • Getting To Know Your Neighbors
  • Making an Emergency Plan
  • Preparing an Emergency Kit
  • Being Informed and Involved

    For information Contact the COPE Program at: cope@srcity.org OR 707-543-3527
  • Create a neighbor contact list/print copies/store list in the cloud/ add copy to your go-bag and car(s)
do the right thing arrow pointing right

If an evacuation/emergency occurs, do the 'right thing', when exiting your home, go to the neighbor to your right, see if they need assistance. 

Together we can help each other. (individual safety being priority)

Individual Readiness

go bag illustration

Go Bag Ready

  • Medications/List of Medications
  • Pet Food/List of Medications
  • Cell phone charger cord
  • Extra set of keys to auto’s/storage units/RV’s
  • Flashlight w/ batteries
  • Sanitizer/hand wipes, N95 mask
  • Original Documents (Passports, Birth Certificates, etc.)
  • Clothes

Digital Ready

  • At least once a year, take photos or videos of your home, garage, closets, landscaping.
  • Open drawers and cabinets. Store pictures/video in the cloud for future inventory records
  • Back-up pictures to cloud
  • Keep cell phone batteries charged
  • Store critical documents in the cloud, back up
  • computer/laptop contents to the cloud
  • Ensure contacts are backed up to the cloud on a routine basis*
    *contact cell service provider for instructions

Household Readiness

car drawing

Car Ready

  • Maintain Gas level in your car; recommend maintaining at least ½ tank
  • Know how to manually release your garage door and open it if the power is out
  • Keep car keys, wallet, purse, and go bag easily accessible to grab quickly in the event of an evacuation
  • Know your evacuation routes out of the neighborhoods.

House Ready

  • Pick safe places in each room of your home to go in case of an earthquake. A safe place could be under a sturdy table wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you.
  • Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Keep a flashlight and any low-heeled shoes by each person’s bed
  • Don’t hang heavy items near beds, couches or anywhere people sleep or sit
  • Bolt or latch cabinets/shelving/high hanging TVs‰
  • Locate and learn how to turn off gas with a wrench. Keep a wrench nearby.
  • Store enough shelf stable food and water for 3-7 days per person. 1 gallon per person per day is recommended Update/cycle through so that stored food is not expired
​

Evacuation Ready

  • Households/families; designate a safe meeting spot away from the house during an evacuation in case of separation.
  • Map out evacuation routes
  • Identify an out-of-town friend or relative as your “emergency family check-in contact” for everyone to call if the family gets separated.
  • Make sure all family members have the correct phone numbers. It is often easier to call out-of-town during an emergency than within the affected area
  • Install a lockbox with an extra house key; this will allow a trusted neighbor to access your home if you are away and have pets or seniors in the house that might need assistance
emergency alert
​

Subscribe to Emergency Alerts

local icon
​

Links to Local/City/State Materials and Information