Wildfire season is here!
Our area is surrounded by a mix of brush, grassland and forest which are powerful fuel for wildfires. Follow these instructions to prepare your home and family for potential wildfires:
- Prepare an emergency kit. See www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/kts/bsc-kt-en.aspx for details
- Check for, and remove, fire hazards in and around your home, such as dried out branches, leaves and debris.
- Keep a good sprinkler in an accessible location.
- Learn fire safety techniques and teach them to members of your family.
- Have fire drills with your family on a regular basis.
- Have an escape plan so that all members of the family know how to get out of the house quickly and safely.
- Have an emergency plan so family members can contact each other in case they are separated during an evacuation.
- Make sure every floor and all sleeping areas have smoke and CO detectors.
- Consult with Rocky View County to schedule a FireSmart assessment. See www.rockyview.ca/fire-inspections to book a free FireSmart Assessment. If you live in Redwood Meadows, contact the Townsite Office 403-949-3563
- If you are on a farm/ranch, sheltering livestock may be the wrong thing to do because a wildfire could trap animals inside, causing them to burn alive. Leaving animals unsheltered is preferable, or if time and personal safety permits, evacuation away from the danger zone should be considered.
- In Rocky View County, sign up for “Safe and Sound” for emergency updates. See www.rockyview.ca/safe-and-sound. In Redwood Meadows, download the Townsite of Redwood Meadows mobile app for alerts at either the Apple App Store or Google Play.
If you see a wildfire approaching your home.
If you see a fire approaching, report it immediately by dialing 9-1-1. If safe, and there’s time before the fire arrives, take the following action:
- Close all windows and doors in the house.
- Cover vents, windows, and other openings of the house with duct tape and/or precut pieces of plywood.
- Park your car, positioned forward out of the driveway. Keep car windows closed and have your valuables already packed in your car.
- Turn off propane or natural gas. Move any propane barbeques or patio heaters into the open, away from structures.
- Turn on the lights in the house, porch, garage and yard.
- Inside the house, move combustible materials such as light curtains and furniture away from the windows.
- Place a ladder to the roof in the front of the house.
- Put lawn sprinklers on the roof of the house and turn on the water.
- Move all combustibles away from the house, including firewood and lawn furniture.
- Evacuate your family and pets to a safe location.
- Listen and follow all instructions from fire responders!
