FROM THE CHIEF'S CORNER: EMERGENCY EDITION

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version Share this

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 11, 2013 (San Diego) – Before a wildfire strikes:

  • Know where your gas, electric and water main shut-off controls are and how to use them.
  • Become familiar with your community’s disaster-preparedness plans and create a family plan.
  • Plan several escape routes from your home and neighborhood and designate an emergency meeting place.
  • Put together an emergency kit.
  • Ensure you follow your local fire code and adhere to its brush compliance program

During a wildfire:

  • Listen to your portable radio for reports and evacuation information.
  • Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
  • Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked.
  • Confine pets to one room.
  • Arrange temporary housing.
  • When advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Wear protective clothing.
  • Take your emergency kit.
  • Lock your home.
  • Follow the evacuation route that your local officials have identified.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.