Disaster Preparedness

Fire

Wildland Fire

Preparing

Have a Class A roof on your house. For a detailed discussion of how to protect your home from a wildland fire, see www.FireSafeMarin.org, especially the links under “Firesafe Home.” The “Survival Guide” link is especially helpful.

Responding

Report the fire.

• From a landline phone, call 911.
• To call in a fire emergency to San Rafael from a cell phone, dial 453-1515.

Assess the danger. If the fire is local and small, use a hose to defend your immediate area. However, if the fire is large and wind is bringing it rapidly toward you, evacuate.

If you are trapped inside by a wildfire:

• Pull combustibles away from windows.
• Retreat to the lee side of the house until the fire has passed.
• If smoke is in the house, breathe through a damp cloth.

House Fire

Preparing

Install smoke detectors. Inspect periodically to ensure batteries are not dead. Carbon monoxide detectors are also useful.

Keep one or more small fire extinguishers around. Carbon dioxide (CO2) dispensers are most useful for ordinary combustible fires of less than 3 square feet. Foam extinguishers are useful for flammable liquid (e.g., paint thinner or gasoline) or electrical fires up to about 40 square feet.

List and discuss the exits from different points in the home. Make sure windows and doors operate. If the home is more than one story, or one side fronts on a steep drop-off, consider having a foldable ladder accessible in that area.

Store combustible materials, especially flammable liquids and chemicals, well away from sources of ignition (pilot lights, motors).

Responding

Report the fire (see above).

Deploy water or fire extinguishers. To use an extinguisher, pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger, and sweep.

If the fire is out of hand, evacuate.