Mick Jones and Joe Strummer asked this immortal question in their Clash tune of the same name, but they probably weren't thinking about dealing with wildfire approaching homes and communities. As the fire season of 2007 rages on, Firewise staff will always recommend that you listen to local authorities for the best advice about whether to evacuate your neighborhood ahead of a wildfire or to stay put. Once the order comes, however, many may be asking, "HOW do I go? Which way? For how long?"
On a visit to a small community south of Denver last week, I sat in on a presentation by John Pawlik, Wildfire Coordinator for Platte Canyon Volunteer Fire Department, to a group of about 40 residents. In addition to important Firewise advice about action that neighbors can take well before fire approaches, Pawlik discussed the secondary egress route for the commun
ity. It's a gated private road that the owner has agreed to let the fire department unlock in case of emergency. Unfortunately, it's also a road that might put travelers in harm's way, as wildfire scenarios show the possibility of fire moving in that same direction. I could practically hear Jones howling, "If I go there will be trouble -- and if I stay there will be double!"
The important point that Pawlik made to community residents is that making the plan now, while the sky is clear and the grass is green, is critical. Mapping escape routes, informing neighbors, and making individual escape plans, including emergency supply kits and arrangements for traveling with pets and livestock, can all be part of a sound Firewise community planning effort. Collaborating with your neighbors on important issues - how to assist a disabled individual, perhaps - can not only bring peace of mind, but possibly save lives, too. Making your home itself a safer place through Firewise preparation could also mean you could shelter in place should the worst happen and exit routes are unavailable.
A great many resources exist to help you plan to leave if you need to. The National Fire Protection Association's "Get Ready" materials have easy-to-use checklists, plan templates and fact sheets that can help you prepare for numerous emergency situations, including wildfire. A favorite home-spun option I like is the "11 Points to Preparedness for Evacuation" on a free home-organization site run by Marla Cilley (aka The Fly Lady) at http://www.flylady.net/. And of course, the Firewise home page strives to provide you with the important information you need to make your home and its surroundings more resistant to ignition from wildfire.
On a visit to a small community south of Denver last week, I sat in on a presentation by John Pawlik, Wildfire Coordinator for Platte Canyon Volunteer Fire Department, to a group of about 40 residents. In addition to important Firewise advice about action that neighbors can take well before fire approaches, Pawlik discussed the secondary egress route for the commun
ity. It's a gated private road that the owner has agreed to let the fire department unlock in case of emergency. Unfortunately, it's also a road that might put travelers in harm's way, as wildfire scenarios show the possibility of fire moving in that same direction. I could practically hear Jones howling, "If I go there will be trouble -- and if I stay there will be double!"The important point that Pawlik made to community residents is that making the plan now, while the sky is clear and the grass is green, is critical. Mapping escape routes, informing neighbors, and making individual escape plans, including emergency supply kits and arrangements for traveling with pets and livestock, can all be part of a sound Firewise community planning effort. Collaborating with your neighbors on important issues - how to assist a disabled individual, perhaps - can not only bring peace of mind, but possibly save lives, too. Making your home itself a safer place through Firewise preparation could also mean you could shelter in place should the worst happen and exit routes are unavailable.
A great many resources exist to help you plan to leave if you need to. The National Fire Protection Association's "Get Ready" materials have easy-to-use checklists, plan templates and fact sheets that can help you prepare for numerous emergency situations, including wildfire. A favorite home-spun option I like is the "11 Points to Preparedness for Evacuation" on a free home-organization site run by Marla Cilley (aka The Fly Lady) at http://www.flylady.net/. And of course, the Firewise home page strives to provide you with the important information you need to make your home and its surroundings more resistant to ignition from wildfire.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home