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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2016 21 Emergency preparedness committee Are you ready for the big one? Earthquakes are usually the disaster we think of first but we need to be prepared and concerned about other natural disasters that can occur such as fire, flood, wind, and hazardous materials spills. Recently a strong wind came through our neighborhood and picked up a neighbor's patio umbrella and dropped it on their roof. As we enter the wildfire season with the effect of years of drought in California, we can expect large fires to occur and our community is in a wildland fire risk area. As this article went to press, last month's fire in Canada caused evacuation of 88,000 people, burned 329 square miles and destroyed more than 1,600 homes and buildings. Here are some actions to take before, during, and after a wildfire. Before a Wildfire: • Know your risk. Learn how often wildfires occur in your area. Know when the greatest risk is and take safety precautions. • Evaluate your surroundings and landscape accordingly. • Clearing dead plants at least 50 feet away from your house is advisable. • Make sure you test your smoke alarms periodically to ensure they are working properly. • The emergency kit you have for earthquakes will be sufficient for wildfires. • Decide in advance what you will take with you. Keep personal belongings to a minimum and if you have to leave immediately for safety reasons, leave everything behind. • Create an emergency plan. Choose a meeting place away from your home for family members to gather in case you are not together when a fire happens. Designate a neighbor to evacuate your pets in case you are not able to get home during a fire. If a wildfire is approaching: • Prepare to evacuate. Listen to emergency channels and know the status of the fire. Load necessary items in your car so you can evacuate quickly and immediately if told to. After a wildfire: • Return home only after officials have declared it safe to do so. • Watch out for ash pits and hot spots. Even after a fire has been extinguished, small fires can flare up without warning. Check your house and surrounding property for hot spots and extinguish them immediately. • Document the damage to your house. Take photos and video and make a written list. You will need this documentation for insurance purposes. ~ John McLaughlin, EPC Co-Chair Oak Glen Yucaipa fire near Beaumont Brush fire in Beaumont adjacent to Sun Lakes