Fire Season 2009 (May 2009 – Sep 2009)

Jan Horton — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 18:49:14 +0000

Fire Season 2009 (May 2009 – Sep 2009)

(Summary submitted by resident Paul Jones- member YL OCFA Focus Group)

OCFA fire engines will begin appearing in Yorba Linda and other high risk communities in mid-June and continuing through the month of August. They will be offering a “wildland consultation” to each homeowner in the fire hazard zones (Very High, High and Medium zones). The consultation will include a personalized discussion with a firefighter to talk about the home survivability issues on each homeowner’s property. A home risk assessment score and recommendations will also be included. Firefighters will distribute Ready! Set! Go! brochures and DVD’s to homeowners as they pass through the neighborhoods. The fire engine outreach will be preceded by a direct mail as well as door-to-door flyers so that homeowners know about this opportunity.

OCFA inspectors will also be appearing in Yorba Linda beginning in mid-June. They will conduct wildland inspections as usual, but will also be prepared to provide “wildland consultations” and distribute Ready! Set! Go! materials to homeowners that happen to catch them in the neighborhoods.

You can sign up proactively for a “wildfire consultation” on the OCFA web site: Sign Up for Wildland Consultation.

leave early stay and defend update

Jan Horton — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:24:36 +0000

OCFA Leave Early or Stay and Defend Highlights

OCFA presented their Leave Early or Stay and Defend workshop last Wednesday to about 400 residents. Their message was clear. Their sworn duty is to protect life first and property second. Their preference is for everyone to evacuate the area when asked to do so. Fires are unpredictable. Based on their training and experience it is a split second decision they make to keep residents or themselves safe while protecting our community. We need to recognize the ordinary resident does not have the experience or training to evaluate these situations completely.

The OCFA also recognizes that there are individuals that will not leave when asked. For those who stay behind, the Fire Authority listed some important points to consider:

1. Make sure you are physically up to the task. You will need to remain vigilent throughout the emergency, constantly checking on your property/ area you are trying to protect.

2. Make sure you are dressed appropriately

no flip flops, shorts or short sleeve shirts
Do not place a wet cloth over your face- the heat of the fire will potentially cause a burn
protect your face with a dry bandana and protective glasses
Wear long sleeved shirts and pants and sturdy shoes
Wear a hat

3. Keep yourself hydrated.

4. Prepare your home. (this is whether you stay or leave)

Fill bathtubs/ sinks with water- you may have your water supply cut off.
Remove light draperies from the window
Close all windows, outside doors
Block all openings into the house- vents, cracks under the garage door and the floor,etc
Run a hose from your washing machine inlet rather than bring a hose from the outside creating an opening into the house
Bring in propane tanks or put them into your pool
Move highly combustible furniture/ objects away from your home (patio furniture)

5. If you find yourself unable to fight the fire due to the flames/ heat go inside the house and protect yourself until the fire passes you by.

In addition, they presented some tips on “hardening” your home. This refers to things you can do to protect the structure such as enclosing the eaves on your home, changing the vent screens to include a finer mesh, using fire resistant building materials, etc… If you chose to stay and defend, it is to your advantage to upgrade your home to include these fire resistant materials. For all residents of Yorba Linda, the Council has waived all permit fees for items that will make your home more resistant to fire damage. Call the Community Planning department for more details.

The OCFA will post the presentation on their web site within the next couple of weeks. The items mentioned above are only a part of the presentation and it is worth reviewing the entire powerpoint presentation.

The OCFA has also offered to provide individualized assessment of your home and property with regards to planting materials, defensible space and if your property would be safe enough to try and stay to defend. Some home locations are more susceptible to damage in the event of a fire due to geographic locations. Please take advantage of this offer.

Jan Horton » fire prevention

Fire Season 2009 (May 2009 – Sep 2009)

leave early stay and defend update