Emergency Preparation and Evacuation Guidelines
The Mayhill Fire District is vulnerable to a
number of natural and environmental threats. Possible
dangers that may result in the need for emergency action
and possible evacuation include wildland fires. Planning
and preparation prior to an event plus teamwork are key
elements to successful management of an emergency.
Should you receive word to evacuate, it is
imperative that you do as instructed. Do not
delay. Stay calm and gather your family. Follow
the directions as they were given you.
Place a white sheet or cloth on your home,
visible from the main access. Take your
pre-assembled emergency kit, family and pets*,
lock your home and depart by the most direct,
safe route as advised. |
Have a family and/or neighbor-to-neighbor
plan for emergency actions.
In that plan, include:
- Emergency contact information for extended
family/friends.
- Designated short and long term times/places to
meeting depending on evacuation requirements.
- Location of access to utilities
- Familiarization with all routes to and from your
residence.
- Periodic review and practice of your plan.
Prepare an emergency supply kit and include:
- A three-day supply of water (one gallon per
person, per day) and food that won't spoil.
- One change of clothes, work gloves and rugged
footwear, per person.
- One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- A first aid kit (including prescription
medicines)
- Emergency tools (radio, flashlight and extra
batteries)
- Cash, credit cards, debit cards.
- Important documents (insurance policies, shot
records bank account information, inventory and
pictures of household valuables, deeds, stocks,
wills, important telephone numbers, birth/marriage
certificates)
- Sanitation supplies
- Miscellaneous items might include extra
eyeglasses, a map of the area, or any special items
required for an infant, elderly or disabled member.
If time allows prior to evacuation,
additional steps can be taken
to protect your home which include:
- Close all windows, vents, doors, blinds and
non-flammable window coverings
- Remove lightweight curtains
- Close fireplace screen and open damper
- Move flammable furniture to the center of the
home away from windows
- Park your vehicle(s) facing the direction of
escape
- Dress in long-sleeve, natural fiber shirt and
pants, sturdy shoes and a hat. Carry a handkerchief
in your pocket for protection from smoke.
- Connect garden hose to outside faucets
- Wet areas within fifteen feet of house and
flammable areas of home (roof, porches, decks)
- Place garden tools near faucet (shovel, rake,
hoe)
- Place ladder to roof of house
- Turn on the porch light and at least one light
in each room
- Right before leaving to evacuate, place a white
sheet or cloth on your home that will be visible
from the main access
Prepare now by creating a defendable home
- Stack firewood 100 feet away from the house and
cover
- Enclose openings such as porches & foundations
- Keep vegetation mowed and debris cleared at
least 30 feet around house
- Trim ladder fuels and limbs hanging near or over
structures
- Replace or treat flammable roofing with fire
retardant materials
- Install spark arrestors on chimneys
- Keep roofs and gutters clear of debris
- Keep a water hose near outdoor faucets
- Keep access to and from house clear
- If possible, provide an accessible outdoor water
storage supply