Hot Weather Tips

• never leave children or pets alone in close vehicles
• stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, shopping malls and other community facilities.  Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals
• Avoid using salt tablets unless direct to do so by physician
• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.  Avoid drinks with caffeine.  Persons who have medical conditions, on fluid-restricted diets or have problems with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages
• Dress in loose fitting, lightweight, and light colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.  Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.  Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
• Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat.  Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362(4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area.
• Check out Ready.gov
• https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html

Evacuation Checklist

Important Documents

• Social Security Cards, Driver's Licenses, Passports
• Medical Records, Insurance Information
• Bank Information, rental/Mortgage Information
• Phone book/Personal Contacts

Family and Pets

• Change of clothes
• Snacks, food and water
• Baby items if necessary (diapers, formula, medications)
• Medications for all family members
• Pet immunization records, Carrier, Crate, leash, and Pet food

Family Photos/Important items

• Photo albums
• Camera, laptop. ipad, hard drives
• Jewelry/Heirlooms
• Credit Cards and Cash
• Cell Phones and Charges
• Childs favorite toy

Before you leave home

• Shut off water and gas
• Double check each room for forgotten items
• Lock your doors and windows.
• ready.gov and fema.gov are great web resources for many types of emergency preparation.

Wildfire Preparation

Before a Wildfire

• Regularly clean the roof and gutters
• Maintain an area approximately 30 feet away from your home that is free of anything that will burn, such as wood piles, dried leaves, newspapers and other brush.
• Review your homeowners insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your homes contents.

During a Wildfire

• If you see a wildfire and haven't received evacuation orders yet, call 911. Don't assume someone else has already called.
• If ordered to evacuate during a wildfire, do it immediately - make sure and tell someone where you are going and when you have arrived.
• Make a list of things you would need or want to take with you if you had to leave early.
• Keep your car fuled, in good condition, and stocked with some emergency supplies and a change of clothes.

The Five P's of Evacuation:

• People (also pets and other animals)
• Prescriptions (Prescriptions, with dosages; medicines, medical equipment, etc.)
• Papers (important documents and hard copies or digital copies on portable hard drives)
• Personal Needs (clothes, food, water, first aid, cash, phones, charges, etc)
• Priceless Items (pictures, irreplaceable mementos, and other valuables)

If you have time these are things that can help firefighters

• Turn on lights outside to make the house more visible in heavy smoke
• Close all windows, vents, doors, and fireplace screens.  This will help reduce drafts in the home and reduce radiant heat.
• Disconnect automatic garage door openers so door can be opened by hand if you lose power
• Move flammable furniture, including outdoor furniture, into the center of the home away from windows and sliding glass doors.  Remove flammable curtains and window treatments.
• Connect garden hoses.  Fill garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.  Move propane or fuel oil supplies away from the house

Returning Home

• Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• For several hours after the fire, maintain a "fire watch"  Check and re-check for smoke, sparks or hidden embers throughout the house, including the roof and the attic.
• Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up without warning.  Evacuate immediately if you smell smoke.

Cleaning Your Home

• Wear a NIOSH certified-respirator (dusk mask) and wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.
• Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot
• Do NOT use water that you think may be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, or to make ice or baby formula
• Photograph damage to your property for insurance purposes
• For a full publication on "How to Prepare for a Wildfire" visit fema.gov

STAY INFORMED

• In addition to television and radio news, you may want to consider monitoring social media sites operated by local law enforcement, fire departments, and other government agencies.  Sites such as twitter and Facebook are updated frequently with pertinent information regarding emergencies.