With all the news on the California fires I was reminded of how horrible and scary a fire can be. I spent 3 years in Southern California and during that time was in the middle of the Sawtooth Complex Fire. My husband was in Iraq so I was on my own and it really was an unbelievable experience.
Looking out my living room window at night I could see the flames that had been burning for days and at a certain point was prepared to evacuate. The thought of what to take and what to leave was horrible. The winds changed and I was able to stay in my home, and I am so thankful.
I know that in this area we do not have the threat of mass fire but we always have the threat of a fire in our home and must always be prepared and use as much prevention as we can. Here are some good tips.
- Smoke detectors should be installed on every level. Test them regulary and change the batteries at least once a year.
- Have an evacuation plan. You need to be aware of two ways to exit each room. Remember to crawl close to the floor if there is smoke.
- Establish a meeting place outside where everyone will go after evacuation the house.
- Make your house address very visible so that firefighters and any first responder can find it easily.
- Create a safety zone around your house of 30 fee in which there is no flammable vegetation.
- Install fire extinguishers in the kitchen and the garage area. Know how to use them.
- Make sure your roof and gutters are free of leaves, needles and dried twigs.
- Store your firewood away from the house.
Author:Jo Soss
Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.
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Jo,
Those area's that are hit year after year is just amazing......all those who are displaced and suffer the many losses...my thought;s and prayers go out to them all.
Jo - I can't imagine looking out my window, watching a fire, and wondering if/when I should leave my own home. Very frightening! I do need to check our fire extinguisher. Thanks for the reminder.