If Buttheads Force Me Out of My Home
In a wildfire evacuation, I'd try to protect my house before shutting the door behind me
Investigators in Upstate South Carolina allege that teens who improperly extinguished their cigarettes started a massive wildfire on March 21 that burned nearly 14,000 acres. Dudes, seriously?
My husband I followed the story closely because Table Rock State Park, where the wildfire originated, is located in Pickens County, S.C., where we live. While residents to the northeast were under mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders, we were not. Still, we talked about what we would take, where we would go and the best route to get there.
But I wondered: If I had to leave in a hurry, could I improve my home’s chances of surviving a wildfire? In other words, what would I need to do before shutting the door behind me? The best tips, in my opinion, come from the Western Fire Chiefs Association. They’re summarized below.
Close all windows, doors, vents and dampers. This includes interior doors and even pet doors. But leave the doors unlocked to give firefighters ready access and limit the damage.
Turn on all of the room lights so firefighters can see throughout the house in smoky conditions.
Remove lightweight curtains and shades from the windows. Move upholstered and combustible furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
Shut off gas, turn off pilot lights, move propane tanks and flammable materials away from the house.
Make sure garden hoses are attached to outdoor spigots. Leave a non-combustible ladder leaning against the house to allow for roof access.
Next, homeowners are told to have a “go bag” prepared in case of an emergency evacuation. But what steps can homeowners take to protect important or sentimental things that get left behind?
The marketing folks at Guardian Safe and Vault would obviously like you to buy a fireproof safe. Depending on the size, offerings range from $334 to $43,258 for a fireproof safe with a 2-hour rating.
But the company blog also includes some alternative and last-ditch measures that offer fire protection for cash and other valuables. Admittedly, these options don’t offer the same level of security.
Fireproof document bags. They’re not entirely fireproof, and the materials differ. The padded ones are also a good option for protecting electronics.
Wood-burning stove. They’re sturdy and offer heat protection. Make sure the damper is closed.
Toilet tank. Sealing valuables in a waterproof bag or container and place it within the the tank, since ceramic and porcelain are highly resistant to fire and heat.
Dig a hole in the back yard. Place valuables in a waterproof, airtight container before concealing it in the soil. Mark the spot carefully so you can retrieve it later.
Finally, the best time to plan for a wildfire is when nothing is on fire. The National Fire Protection Association has the most commonly cited preventive tips on exterior preparation.
Some of the tips useful for alternative uses
So much information, thanks!