What San Diego County Residents Need to Know to Protect Lives and Property

September 20, 2011 by Chase Pacific

Chase Pacific Property Management continues to be on the cutting edge of communicating “need to know” items for the benefit of the tenants that occupy homes that we manage as well as owners whom we represent.  If you were in San Diego County in the fall of 2007, you will likely recall where we were and what we were doing on October 21, 2007 – it was a day like many other Sundays for most San Diegans, but ended with one of the worst devastating fires in the history of San Diego County – the Witch Creek fires.

October is Wild Fire Awareness Month and with that in mind, we feel that it is important to remind our residents and owners of specific tips and suggestions that are recommended by area disaster relief agencies to better prepare us for the unpredictability of a local wild fire.

How to Prepare Your Family for the Threat of a Wild Fire

  • Prepare an evacuation checklist.  In the event of an evacuation, what items would you need to take?  Consider medications, important paperwork, cash, contact phone numbers, precious keepsakes, photos and jewelry or other valuables.
  • Have a family plan.  If you have to evacuate and members of your family are not home, determine in advance where the family is to meet?
  • Keep at least a half a tank of gas in your cars at all times.
  • Have cash on hand.
  • Listen to local radio reports on where to find shelter for you, your family and your pets.
  • Keep on hand enough food and water for three days for each person in your family as well as a first aid kit that has all the basic necessities.
  • Remember your pets.  Bring their food, water, medication and supplies.
  • Keep in mind that wild fires are unpredictable.  Depending on conditions, they can jump two homes, five homes or even an entire freeway (as we experienced with the Witch Creek fire).  Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate.  Follow instructions given by local authorities (police and fire personnel).
  • Have an alternative route planned in the event your original route remains impassable.
  • If you are caught in a fire storm, do not panic; find a swimming pool or other body of water and remain.
  • Lastly, to get more information, contact your local fire department.  They will be glad to answer your questions and assist in preparing you and your family’s safety.

Category: Misc. Tips for Owners And Tenants