12/10/2017

Notations On Our World (Special W-End Edition): : Guidance From @FEMA On Wildfires & Being Safe During The Holiday Season

Southern California has been in the midst of a "Ring of Fire" as we went to press with this edition of "Notations".   In light of the horrific scenes in Los Angeles and Ventura over the last number of days, our team wanted to report on the latest guidance From FEMA on Wildfires that we are privileged to report on as we salute all the First Responders and as we keep all in Harms' Way in our Thoughts and Prayers:

Celebrate Safely this Holiday Season

Keep candles 12 inches from things that can burn
Entertaining and celebrating with family and friends is what the holiday season is all about. 

This year, take some time to learn about potential fire hazards related to cooking, candles, decorations, electrical cords, and heating devices.

Keep your holiday parties safe with these U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) tips:
  • Test your smoke alarms and tell your guests about your home fire escape plan.
  • Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
  • Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking at high temperatures like frying, grilling or broiling.
  • Ask people who smoke to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them, so young children do not touch them.
  • Keep doorways and exit paths clear of furniture and decorations.

Find more holiday and fire safety information on the USFA Holiday Safetypage.

Stay Safe: Wildfires Can Happen Anywhere, Anytime

Wildfire Graphic
With several active wildfires affecting the Western United States, it is important to know how to stay safe with information and resources from Prepareathon™.

Wildfires can happen anywhere in the country and at any time of year. If you see a wildfire approaching, call 911 to report the fire. Do not assume that someone else reported it and follow these tips from Prepareathon’s How to Prepare for a Wildfire Guide:

If ordered to evacuate:
  • Leave immediately.
  • Help firefighters, if there is time before you leave. Some of the things to help include closing up the house and leaving lights on for visibility, as well as moving flammable materials to the center of the home, away from windows. You can also leave hoses connected to a water source, so they are available for the fire department.
  • Text SHELTER and your ZIP code (e.g., SHELTER 20472) to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area. Follow local media for more information on shelters.

If trapped in your home:
  • Call 9-1-1 and provide your location, if possible. Please be aware that during a major event such as a wildfire, emergency services may be overwhelmed, and a response may be delayed or impossible.
  • Turn on the lights to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.
  • Keep doors, windows, vents, and fire screens closed.
  • Keep your doors unlocked.
  • Move flammable materials (e.g., curtains, furniture) away from windows and sliding glass doors.
  • Fill sinks and tubs with water to assist in dousing small smoldering fires, which may pop up.
  • Stay inside, away from outside walls and windows.

For more information on wildfire safety, review Prepareathon’s How to Prepare for a Wildfire guide, or watch the When the Fire Starts video. You can also read about California’s use of FEMA’s Wireless Emergency Alerts during the recent wildfires.