Florida Wildfire Evacuation: Steps to Take Before Leaving

5/17/2017 (Permalink)

If you are in a situation where authorities advise you to evacuate your residence due to an approaching wildfire, do so immediately. If authorities say you have some time before evacuating your premises, there are some tasks you can perform to help the firefighters and could help protect your home.

Remember the five P’s of evacuation

People, Prescriptions, Papers, Personal needs, and Priceless items.

Protect Your Home

? Turn ON the lights outside and in every room to make the house more visible in heavy smoke.

? Close all windows, vents, doors, and fireplace screens. By doing this, it will help reduce drafts in your house and reduce heat.

? In case you lose power, disconnect automatic garage door openers so the door can be opened by hand.

?Remove all flammable curtains and window treatments in case windows brake. Also move flammable furniture towards the center of your home, away from all windows and sliding glass doors.

? Fill garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water. Also shut off natural gas from the source, and move propane or fuel oil supplies away from the house.