Sierra2023Archive

Emergency Preparedness

• Protect your face. • Run laterally or down hill through the least amount of fire. • Once in a safe area lay down and roll on the ground to extinguish any clothing that may be on fire. 9) What Do I Do When I Get to the “Place Of Safety”? • Remain calm and await instruction from Fire/Law enforcement. • Conditions at the safe areas may seem severe, but will be safer than the surrounding areas. • Vehicles used to reach these areas must be left in the parking lot or as advised by officials. • Before getting aboard an escape vehicle, please give your details to the designated official. • Only hand-carried items will be allowed aboard the evacuation vehicle. • Please advise officials of your street name and if you know of any person still in that location who may need assistance.

10) Pets & Livestock • Take small pets with you to the place of safety. If this is not possible, leave them outside, untied, to fend for themselves (remember cats and dogs have a tendency to remain on familiar ground). • Let livestock out of pens. • For additional information, call Animal Control Mariposa County . . . . . . . . . 209-966-3615 Madera County. . . . . . . . . . . 559-675-7891

6) What If I Become Trapped in My Vehicle? • Don’t panic; think before you act. • Stop in an area with the least amount of flammable vegetation. • Avoid blocking the roadway if possible. • Cover windows with any material available to reduce radiant heat. • Cover yourself with as much clothing as possible. • Don’t leave your vehicle until the fire has passed over. 7) What If I Become Trapped on Foot? • Stay in an area with the least amount of vegetation. (Stream, creek, pond, rock outcropping, grazed off areas, roads.) • Take advantage of any solid object for protection from radiant heat. • Cover as much of your exposed skin as possible. • If time permits, clear the area around you. • Stay as close to the ground as is practical. Protect your face. A dry cloth over your mouth and nose will assist in preventing damage to your respiratory system. • Fire burns very quickly uphill. When possible move laterally or downhill to escape. 8) What If I Have No Choice But to Run Through the Fire? • Put on as much clothing as possible.

• Roll down sleeves. • Hold your breath.

72