Prepare, practice and review these steps!

• BE PREPARED AT HOME
• PUBLIC WARNING SYSTEMS
• EVACUATION MEASURES AND ESCAPE ROUTES
• GETTING TO THE DESIGNATED EMERGENCY SHELTER
  

BE PREPARED AT HOME

• The area up to 30 feet from the house should be fire-resistant, without brush or dead wood on the ground.

• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected at least annually by a professional. Get a chimney cap.

• Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your house. Change the batteries twice a year. Test them monthly.

• Keep large containers of water outside with small cotton rugs nearby to put out spot fires by wetting the rug and smothering the flames.

• Keep hoses with nozzles connected outside.

• Have fire extinguishers in your home and in your car, and know how to use them.

• Make sure every adult knows how to shut off gas and gas appliances.

• Plan how your family will stay in contact if you are separated. Pick two meeting places: one outside your home and one outside your neighborhood in case youcannot return home. All family members should carry an out-of-state telephone contact number with them everywhere. Sometimes out-of-state phones will work when local lines will not.

• Have pet carriers, food, leashes and medicine ready. Pets should be vaccinated and have name tags. Pets are not allowed in Red Cross shelters. Bring camping gear if you want to stay with your pets.

• Test your 911 service:

If your phone number is newer than three years old, or if you have moved with your phone number, you should test your 911 listing. Call 589-5807 and ask if you can “Test the 911.” They will have you call back using 911.

If the information on their computer is incorrect you must fill out a form to correct it; forms are available at the POA office.

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PUBLIC WARNING SYSTEMS

Sirens:

• A single blast is a call for all firefighters to report to the firehouse. (One blast at noon on some Saturdays is just a test).

• Two blasts means turn your CB radio on and tune to channel 37.

• A continuous blast of the fire siren means there is an evacuation.

Telephone:

When the Sheriff orders an evacuation you may be notified by phone through the 911 Emergency Preparedness Network. Don’t tie up phone lines if you receive this call. Have a phone on hand that is not electrically dependent if the power goes out. Cell phones will not be called.

Public Address and Radio:

You may also be notified by public address system or on the radio on KRZA 88.7 FM and KSLV 1240 AM. On your CB tune to Channel 37. Call for help on channel 9.

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EVACUATION MEASURES AND ESCAPE ROUTES

An escape route is a pre-planned route to reach a fire-safe zone. Know your way OUT at all times. Landmarks may not be visible. The route you take depends on the location and direction of the fire.

• Plan for more than one escape route in case of heavy smoke, blocked routes or darkness. Know alternate exits to County Road T (or other routes to the Grants where you can flee from spreading fire). Stay out of the smoke if you can.

• Select the closest route and stay on the roads!

• Watch for obstructions, wildlife and pedestrians.

• Avoid an uphill escape. Keep moving downhill until it is safe.

Stay out of arroyos and canyons with many trees and shrubs

• Pay attention to additional instructions from emergency personnel.

Right before you evacuate

• Use a dry cloth over nose and mouth to reduce smoke inhalation. A wet cloth may steam and burn your lungs.

• Wear all cotton, wool or leather clothing, hats and heavy boots or shoes. Carry leather gloves.

• Gather family members and restrain pets. Take them all with you.

• Shut off the propane at the tank, turn off pilot lights and gas to piloted appliances.

• Leave lights and electricity ON - inside and outside.

• Leave a note indicating where you are going and a phone number.

• Put a BIG X with duct tape on your front door when you leave. Take your pets!

• Tune your radio to KRZA 88.7 FM or KSLV 1240 AM and listen for additional instructions.

• Continually reassess your situation for safety until you reach your destination.

• Close all doors and windows - even inside ones – but DO NOT lock them.

• Connect hoses outside, but leave the water OFF.

• Leave ladders out where firefighters can find them.

• Disconnect automatic garage door openers.

IF TIME ALLOWS:

• Bring outdoor furniture inside (and all plastic and wooden accessories).

• Move inside furniture away from windows.

• CLOSE metal blinds and TAKE DOWN fabric curtains.

If you choose not to go to a shelter, also pack:

• Three days worth of food, and cooking supplies.

• Water (one gallon per person per day).

• Shovel and sanitation supplies.

• Fire extinguishers.

• Sleeping bags and pillows, tents and tarps.

• Portable water filter, rain gear, first aid kit.

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GETTING TO THE DESIGNATED EMERGENCY SHELTER

If you are told to evacuate, go directly to the Moffat School in Moffat if it is safe to do so.

From the Baca:

Go north on Camino Baca Grande and left (west) onto County Road T. Turn right onto Highway 17 (the Moffat School is on your left).

From Crestone:

Take County Road T west for about 12 miles. Turn right onto Highway 17 (the Moffat School is on your left).

Alternate evacuation route

These routes should only be considered as an option if you have no other way of getting safely to Road T.

Keep moving to avoid getting stuck in the sand. Passenger vehicles are likely to get stuck!

To get to the alternate route go south on Badger Road (from Camino Baca Grande). Turn right onto Wagon Wheel Road and 1/4 mile down turn right onto Spanish Creek Trail. Keep going until you reach Road T. Then turn left toward Moffat.

Crestone residents use Galena Street heading west. Turn left at the cemetery entrance. At the first “Y” turn left. Keep going and go left onto 66T. Then right on road T to Moffat.

Check In

If you can’t get to Moffat school but land safely elsewhere outside the fire area, call the Red Cross so we know you are safe. The Red Cross coordinates emergency contact information. Dial               1-719-852-5706       .

A wildfire, once started, can run out of control very quickly, especially in dry and windy conditions. Don’t be responsible for starting one. You may be held liable for any damages you cause.

• Don’t drive over or park on dry grass - your car may ignite a fire.

• No fireworks!

• Smoke safely and put it out completely. Don’t smoke outside in strong winds.

• Clean up all glass outside and cover recycling.

• Dispose of fireplace ashes safely. Put them in a metal container, soak with water and let sit until they are completely cold before dumping outside.

• Chainsaws must have sparks arrestors installed.

Go to www.firewise.org/co/ to learn more about mitigating your home.