January 2024 Newsletter

Here’s to a FIRE SAFE 2024

Being Well-Prepared:

We’ve discussed essential aspects of preparedness, such as maintaining defensible spaces, implementing ember protection measures, and planning for evacuations. In addition to these critical considerations, here are some often-overlooked aspects of advanced preparation:

Additional Preparation Steps for January:

  • Insurance: Update your homeowner’s insurance to ensure enough coverage in case of wildfire damage.
  • Home Inventory: Create a detailed list of your belongings with photos or videos for insurance claims.
  • Smoke Alarms: Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
  • Fire Extinguishers: Check expiration dates and ensure they are easily accessible.
  • Fire Prevention Gel: Shake and pre-position it around potential ignition points like doors and windows.
  • Emergency Alerts: Register your cell phones for local emergency alerts like wildfire warnings.
  • Essentials List: Prepare a list of essential items (food, water, medications, etc.) for evacuation.
  • Important Documents: Copy important documents (insurance, ID, etc.) and store them electronically or in a secure location outside your home.
  • School Disaster Plan: Familiarize yourself with your children’s school’s fire and disaster plan.
  • Pet Evacuation Plan: Prepare a travel case and plan for your pets’ evacuation needs.

Beyond Scripps Ranch:

  • Family Meeting Place: Choose a meeting place outside the Scripps Ranch area in case communication is disrupted.
  • Evacuation Assistance: Plan for assistance if you need help evacuating, especially if you have mobility limitations.
  • 211 San Diego: Familiarize yourself with the services offered by 211 San Diego, a resource for various community needs and assistance programs.

Remember:

  • While these preparations might seem daunting, they are crucial for ensuring your safety and minimizing the impact of a wildfire.
  • Don’t hesitate to contact the Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council for additional information, resources, or assistance.

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