My #wildfire #safety protocol (assuming you have done all the wildfire pre-prep earlier in the season). 1. Applies to RED FLAG or near RED FLAG (ie. windy, dry) conditions ONLY. I pay attention other times, but not as much. 2. Pay attention to National Weather Service forecasts, and READ THE NOTES. You want to be aware of direction of wind, timing, and where the biggest threats are. If it's not a RED FLAG, I am not as worried, at least in SoCal (lots of firefighting resources). (cont)
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3. If there is a RED FLAG warning, I make sure the go bag and everything is ready, and pre-prep the vehicle (load up the go bag, some other stuff... just in case). Pre-stage important docs/checklist/pet supplies by the door or in car. Car outside, pointed towards the driveway. Idea is to be able to load-and-go within 5-30 min (depending on how much warning/time). #wildfire #safety #protocol (cont).
4. In RED FLAG, I move all the furniture/flammable stuff away from the house, tuck stuff that might blow around in the sheds (or weighted down with heavy objects). Also dampen down the mulch and plants (only helps to a small degree, but the plants can use it anyway in dry windy conditions). Radios are charged and ready ahead of Red Flag. (cont). #wildfire #safety #tips
5. If it is NOT windy in my local area but RED FLAG, use PulsePoint set to my local county (with alerts) for fire incidents to alert me to things, and also have added WATCHDUTY. When I am awake will have the scanner going in the background on low to have situational awareness. HAVING A NON-ENCRYPTED FIRE SERVICE IS CRITICAL here. Can't depend on Internet/cell phone! #wildfire #safety