Wild fire and earthquake

By: Christa, Carly, Justin

safety

How can you protect your house for wildfire safety?

Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind.

Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it.

Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling. Or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking,

or trim with UL-approved fire-retardant chemicals.

Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.

How can you prevent wildfires?• Don't park your vehicle on dry grass.

• If off-road vehicle use is allowed, internal combustion equipment requires a spark arrester.

• Know your county's outdoor burning regulations. Unlawful trash burning is a punishable offense.

• At the first sign of a wildfire, leave area immediately by established trails or roads. Contact a Ranger as soon as possible. If escape route is blocked, go to the nearest lake or stream.

• Never take burning sticks out of a fire.

• Never use stoves, lanterns and heaters inside a tent.

• Store flammable liquid containers in a safe place.

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• Wildfires occur year-round in Southern California.  The health effects of wildfire smoke range from eye, throat and respiratory tract irritation to more serious disorders, including reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma, and premature death.  Wildfire smoke can affect healthy people as well as those with pre-existing lung or heart disease.  Children and the elderly are especially sensitive to the effects of wildfire smoke. During wildfires, there are measures everyone can take to protect their health from the harmful pollutants filling the air. 

Seven steps to earthquake safety

• The Earthquake Country Alliance and the California Emergency Management Agency recommend the following steps to maximize safety in earthquake-prone areas.

• 1. Secure the inside of your home. • 2. Create a disaster plan that includes a meeting place and out-of-state

contact. Decide what to do in the event of a post-earthquake fire. • 3. Assemble an earthquake supply kit. • 4. Get a seismic retrofit if your house is not bolted to its foundation or

if your foundation is unreinforced. • 5. Drop to the floor, seek cover under a table and hold on to it when

shaking starts. • 6. When shaking stops, check for injuries and damage. • 7. If, after a quake, you cannot stay in your home, take your

earthquake kit and get to a safe place. Listen to a portable radio for news and call your out-of-state contact

Sites:

• http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/27/fyi/main2132341.shtml

http://www.aqmd.gov/ej/cac/wildfire_safety_tips.htm

http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/sanbernardinocounty/ci_19147912