Ready, Set, Go Flashcards
You are working a shift at Fire Station 62 in Battalion 2 on a spring day in May, and you receive a telephone call at the beginning of the shift from the battalion chief asking you to attend a homeowners group meeting with thirty residents Claremont at the Padua Hills Theater. The residents live in an area sometimes threatened by wildfire, and would like you to speak to them about what they are to do to protect their homes and families from wildfire and for you to provide preparedness steps that will help them before a fire impacts their area. The meeting is at 6pm and you are being asked to speak about five minutes.
Scenario
What is the department’s program name for preparing a personal wildfire action plan?
Ready, Set, Go!
Where is this document available?
Fire Station
Public Information Office (323) 881-2411
www.fire.lacounty.gov
Get “Ready”
Did the candidate explain what a defensible home is?
Defensible home:
Greatest potential for surviving a wildfire.
In compliance with LACoFD Brush clearance requirements, or
Been through LACoFD Fuel Modification Program.
What is defensible space
Defensible space is the area around a structure free of flammable plants and objects that creates a zone in which firefighters can operate safely in order to help protect a home during a wildfire.
Zone 1
30’
50’ in HFHZ & VHFHZ
Zone 2
70’ for a total of 100’
HFHZ & VHFHZ can require an additional 100’ for a total of 200’
Did the candidate explain what a fuel modification is?
Program affects new construction in high fire hazard areas.
Identifies zones and approved plant list, and
Identifies areas for brush clearance and thinning.
Zone A
20’ around structure
High moisture content fuels
Prevent direct flame impingement
Free of fine receptive fuel beds
Zone B
Extends 100’ from home
Approved plant list
Irrigated
Designed to slow fire progress
Zone C
From edge of Zone B up to 200’
Vegetation thinned
Dead growth removed
Native vegetation thinned 30-50%
Did the candidate explain what can be done to harden a home?
Roof Fire-resistive Clear of leaves and pine needles Rain gutter clear 10’ clearance from trees
Did the candidate explain what can be done to harden a home?
Eaves
Closed vs. open
Did the candidate explain what can be done to harden a home?
Vents
1/8” or smaller wire mesh
No plastic or fiberglass
Did the candidate explain what can be done to harden a home?
Walls
Fire-resistive
Did the candidate explain what can be done to harden a home?
Windows/Doors
Dual pane vs. single pane
Limit vegetation facing windows
Did the candidate explain what can be done to harden a home?
Balconies/decks
Fire-resistive material?
Enclose underside
Ignition resistant if within 10’ from home
Get “Set”
Did the candidate explain how to prepare your family Disaster Plan?
Did the candidate discuss the checklists for preparing a Family Disaster plan, outdoor, indoor, and trapped survival tips?
Prepare your Family (Wildfire Action Plan) Create Family Disaster Plan Meeting Location Communications plan Evacuation of large animals Rehearse it Fire extinguishers Utility shut-offs Escape routes Emergency meeting location: outside of fire hazard area Assemble emergency supply kit Identify an out-of-area friend or relative POC Emergency contact numbers Extra supply kit in vehicle Portable radio/scanner for fire updates
Prepare your Family (Wildfire Action Plan)
Create Family Disaster Plan Meeting Location Communications plan Evacuation of large animals Rehearse it Fire extinguishers Utility shut-offs Escape routes Emergency meeting location: outside of fire hazard area Assemble emergency supply kit Identify an out-of-area friend or relative POC Emergency contact numbers Extra supply kit in vehicle Portable radio/scanner for fire updates
As the Fire Approaches:
Alert family and neighbors Appropriate clothing Fire survival kit TV/Radio for updates Stay close to home, drink water and keep eye on family
Outdoor checklist
Gather flammable products; place inside or in pool Turn off propane Connect garden hoses to outside taps DO NOT leave sprinklers on Leave exterior lights on Back car into garage; shut door/roll-up windows Ladder Patrol property Seal attic and ground vents
Indoor checklist
Shut all windows/doors; leave unlocked
Remove flammable window treatments
Move flammable furniture away from windows
Shut off gas at meter/turn off pilot lights
Leave interior lights on
Shut off A/C
If You are Trapped: Survival Tips
Shelter away from outside walls Patrol inside of home and extinguish Wear long sleeve shirt and pants, natural fibers Stay hydrated Ensure you can exit home After fire has passed check roof and extinguish Patrol property and extinguish Check inside attic Call 911 if unable to extinguish
Go ‘EarlyDid the candidate explain why to evacuate early?
By leaving early, you will give your family the best chance of surviving a wildfire. You also help firefighters by keeping roads clear of congestion.
Did the candidate explain what a resident survival kit is?
Keep shoes and flashlight handy for night evacuation Keep the six “P’s” for immediate evacuation: People and pets Papers, phone numbers, documents Prescriptions, eyeglasses Pictures and irreplaceable items Personal computers Plastic: credit cards/cash
