by Kevin Foster
When living in the mountains, preparedness is a continual job. During winter as well as summer, it takes a lot of care and thought to keep your property and humble abode water and fire ready. New residents to the community always seem to learn about the water’s path of travel on their properties when they experience the first heavy rain. Long time residents have learned how to divert water around structures and control it in order to prevent erosion and washouts. I suggest to new residents that they walk their property while it’s raining to find ways to control water flow; whether it be from your gutter downspouts into perforated pipe or a retaining wall with curtain drains. Wattles and sandbags can also be strategically placed to prevent erosion and water intrusion where it may be harmful to structures and landscape areas. Utilizing mother nature when you are able can be a beneficial learning experience. Summertime preparedness is extremely crucial nowadays. The recent fire throughout our mountains demonstrated these valuable lessons. Land parcels that have good landscaped and manicured yards increased the odds of structure protection during a fire. Help minimize the risk and protect your home by hardening it using amber resistant building materials. Clear away duff and loose flammable material from building structures to a clearance of 100 feet of defensible space. Proper clearance can dramatically increase the chance of your house surviving a wildfire. Evacuation – Many residents learned valuable lessons about evacuation this past year; having a prepared evacuation plan with family and friends helped facilitate this dramatic event for many of us. The recent evacuation showed a lot of us what we really needed and what we should have taken with us. It is wise to adjust yearly evacuation plans and go bags accordingly including an emergency meeting location outside of the fire or hazard area. Plan on having an evacuation plan for pets as well, especially for large animals; know where to go and what to do ahead of time. There is a family communication plan download and print version available at www.readyforfire.org/prepare Having an emergency supply kit, including some dry foodstuffs) and a go bag was a valuable prep for a lot of us as to what we need to have at the ready in the event of an evacuation. . Remembering the “Six Ps” in case an immediate evacuation-emergency is very helpful. Take immediate action when wild fire or evacuation orders strike and do not wait until the last minute. Being prepared ahead of time not only helps keep the roads clear for firefighters and other emergency service personnel, it also helps prevent road congestion. Some residents are now adding water tanks and pumps with fire hoses to their properties for their own personal fire property protection. Please remember, lives are more valuable than risking being overrun by fire. If you do not have a large property with a substantial clearing as a safe zone, it’s highly inadvisable to risk one’s life or the lives of fire personnel if they have to go in and save you. I understand this train of thought in the event of a repeat scenario, with too many fires statewide and fire personnel being overextended throughout the state, and partnering agencies from surrounding cities having fire apparatus too large to get up many of our small roads. But please make sure to consult your local fire agency for advice if you are thinking of setting up your property to fight a wildfire yourself. I’m sure I speak for everyone in our valley when I say we are all extremely thankful for our local fire departments having both large and small fire fighting vehicles able to navigate our single lane and twisty roads throughout our mountains. Our local fire agencies are extremely friendly, helpful and always glad to give advice on fire prevention for your property, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them. Everything mother nature throws at us is a lesson that we can all learn and benefit from, whether it be rain, fire, or wind. Living in the mountains is a continual process of making preparations for both winter and summer months. For more valuable tips and information, download the Ready for a Wildfire app for the wildfire preparedness checklist, tips and more. Then share the information with your family, friends and neighbors so we can all be as safe as possible. Prior planning prevents poor performance, and promotes proper procedures. It is never too early to start planning. Be safe folks!