The Family Girl Blogs (aka "The New Working Girl Blogs") Blog #85: 2017 Napa Valley Forest Fires To see all of Bobbie's Family Girl Blogs, click on this link: http://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/book/28818/family-girl-blogs

Hello, everyone. I’m sure you’ve been hearing about all the forest fires happening in the States.

I have relatives in Napa Valley, and they’re in the midst of a forest fire. They’re safe, though, and are fully prepared and are ready to evacuate if needed.

But if you or your loved ones are in the same area, or are in an area with forest fires, hope you’re ready. I am passing on the information my sister sent me:

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WITH REGARDS FOREST FIRES
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If you find yourself caught in a forest fire, or are in the vicinity of one and know that you cannot get away in time - don't try to outrun the blaze. Instead, look for a body of water such as a pond or river to crouch in. If there is no water nearby, find a depressed, cleared area with little vegetation, lie low to the ground, and cover your body with wet clothing, a blanket, or soil. Stay low and covered until the fire passes

If your home is in an area prone to forest fires:

1. Clear away crap around your house
  - Cut your grass / brush regularly.
  - Rake up and dispose of leaves, brush and other dead plant material

2. Store your wood / wood fuel safely. There are fire-safe storage for sale.

3. Clear away dead trees.
  - Remove stumps and clear away dead wood.
  - Remove dead scrub regularly, esp. in places where lots of shrubs grow.

4. Make a firebreak/fire-free area, around five feet, around your home. If you can afford it, construct a porch or deck around your home using fire-proof material.

Once the fire danger’s passed you might also consider refitting your house to be fire resistant.

1. Change the roofing to a fire-resistant one made of tile or steel.
2. Change your windows to minimize the heat that can come in. There are temperature resistant windows as well as heat resistant fabric and non-combustible shutters.
3. Protect your vents with ember resistant vents.

You can also protect your stuff.

1. Segregate the important stuff. Think about making a list, and what you can fit in your car in case you have to evacuate.
2. Keep the important stuff together. Think of your computer files or data as well. Invest in an external backup drive where you can save your data.
3. Think of buying a fireproof safe, and keep important stuff you can’t bring with you in there.

Finally, accept the possible need to evacuate, and therefore be ready.

1. Let the authorities know if you see a fire. Don’t assume they know about it already.
2. Do not procrastinate - evacuate sooner than later

And if you have to fight or defend your home from fire -

1. Embers are the enemy. Don’t allow embers to settle on your roof or house. Sweep them away or wet them down.
2. If there’s a water supply, regularly wet down your roof and yard.

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Anyway, just wanted to pass this info on.

Be safe!

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