Community Corner
Wildfire Prep Guide Released
The guide is available online at the provided link. Prepare a go-bag for each member of the household including pets.
LAMORINDA, CA — Whether struck by a wildfire, earthquake or other natural disaster, East Bay residents need to be ready to bail at a moment's notice, according to a preparedness guide prepared by government agencies in Contra Costa County.
With fire season bearing down across the region, emergency officials want residents of Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga and the unincorporated community of Canyon to be ready for evacuation if necessary.
Lamorinda residents may be asked to leave on short notice due to a fast-moving wildfire. To stay ready for such an event, they're advised to be aware of weather and wildfire conditions, as well as red flag warnings.
Find out what's happening in Lamorindafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Register for real-time warnings on your smartphone and have at least three-quarters of a tank of gas in your vehicle.
If a "fire weather watch" is issued, that means wildfire conditions may persist for 12 to 72 hours, and residents who could be affected by such conditions should plan accordingly due to significant danger.
Find out what's happening in Lamorindafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Prepare a go-bag for each member of the household with sturdy closed toed shoes, extra socks and underwear, pants and a long-sleeved shirt, N-95 filter masks and a flashlight as well as any medications that might be necessary during an extended absence from home.
Documents like deeds, titles and identification should be securely backed up to the cloud or something comparable and designate an out-of-state contact to communicate and coordinate with every member of your household to cut down on local calls, in case the cell networks are overwhelmed by traffic in the wake of a natural disaster.
If the fire gets close, consider leaving before getting forced to do so by a mandatory evacuation. Leave the outdoor lights on for first responders, close and lock all doors and windows to help prevent the fire from spreading indoors, and leave driveway gates open for firefighters.
Anyone who gets trapped or is otherwise unable to evacuate is urged to shelter in place, keep your household together indoors with doors and windows closed but unlocked and put a "help" sign out front. Keep calm, and remember that even if it gets hot indoors, it's hotter outside.
More information about fire evacuations.
The 16-page guide, with information homeowners can use to fireproof their landscapes and gardens, is available online courtesy of Contra Costa County emergency officials.
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