595 San Ysidro Rd. Montecito, CA 93108

ARE YOU READY?

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METHODS USED TO NOTIFY OF AN EVACUATION  (IF THERE IS TIME!)

•Reverse 911.

•Sheriff or CHP Patrol Cars.

•Helicopters.

•Door to door.

GET READY

The first thing you must do is make a list of important items (things that cannot be left behind)

•Enough cash for you and your family for several days

•Medications, Prescriptions, eyeglasses

•Important documents, (birth certificates, tax records)

•Photos, art, jewelry and other important mementos

•If you have pets, remember to bring pet food, leash and pet carrier(s)

•Computers or backup disks of your important files

WAYS TO PREPARE AHEAD IF FIRE CONDITIONS ARE HIGH TO EXTREME

•Move combustibles and firewood AWAY from your home’s exterior. (Do this anyways as good practice!!)

•Close fireplace doors and damper.

•Back your car into the garage (facing out) and leave the keys in the ignition.

•Keep the garage door closed until you are ready to leave.

•Disconnect the electric garage door(s) from the motor.

•Keep your “To Go” kit by the door, or in the car.

BEFORE YOU GO (ONLY IF TIME PERMITS)

•Close all windows and doors (inside and out)

•Shut off air conditioners and heating units

•Move furniture, curtains and draperies away from windows

•Shut off gas meter or propane tanks

•Disconnect motors on automatic gates and leave open and unlocked

•Fill trash cans and buckets with water, leave around exterior of house

•Soak rags, towels and small rugs in water to help extinguish small embers

•Attach garden hoses to spigots outside

•Place a ladder against the house on the opposite side from where the fire is approaching.

•Apply plywood over eave vents, subfloor vents, roof vents and windows.

•Turn all the lights on in your home (this will make your house more visible to firefighters in dense smoke.)

•Remove combustible fencing that leads to structures. (This can act as a wick if your home has good clearance otherwise.)

WHAT TO EXPECT

•Heavy smoke.

•Flying embers and fire brands.

•Extremely heavy traffic.

•Panicked drivers.

•Abandoned vehicles.

GET GOING

•Review your special needs plan – does a neighbor need assistance? Are your pets ready to go?

•Close your garage door behind you.

•Leave all access gates open.

•Can you carpool with a neighbor to reduce cars on the road?

•Drive safely and cautiously.

•Keep headlights on and windows rolled up.

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