Key safety tips to keep your home protected
By Dave Mason
Fire safety is something we should all think about year-round, especially with the constant risk of wildfires. The Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council has been focusing on a few key areas to help protect our community. Here are some things to consider to improve your home’s fire safety.
Visibility of address numbers: Can you see your home’s address clearly from the street? Check to see if overgrown vegetation is blocking the numbers. If so, trim back shrubs or plants to make them visible, especially in case firefighters need to find your home quickly.
Alternate escape routes:Have you identified two alternate routes out of your neighborhood? Plan and practice an evacuation drill using these alternate routes with your family.
Wood Piles:Make sure that wood piles or other flammable materials are located at least 30 feet away from your home. If they’re too close, move them farther out to reduce risk during a wildfire.
Document your belongings: Check with your insurance company about how to document your possessions. This can help if you need to file a claim after a fire.
Wildfire risk is year-round: The risk of wildfires doesn’t stop with the seasons. It’s a year-round threat. To help you prepare, the Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council is hosting an Open House on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 37 (11640 Spring Canyon Road). This event is a chance to learn important fire safety tips, meet local firefighters and get hands-on experience with fire safety activities.
What you can expect from the Fire station Open House:
Fire Safety Education: Learn about fire prevention and safety measures, plus what to do in the event of a fire.
Meet the Firefighters: Meet your local heroes, ask questions and learn about their roles and responsibilities.
Interactive activities: Get involved with hands-on activities like operating fire hoses and practicing escape planning.
Demonstrations: Fire Station 37 will showcase their fire equipment, and we can demonstrate how to properly use a fire extinguisher and set up a smoke alarm.
Why you should attend:This event is a great way to meet local firefighters, learn how they keep us safe, and see their equipment and techniques up close. Plus, if you’re interested in fire department careers or volunteering, firefighters will be available to share information about opportunities to get involved.
Family-friendly and free: This event is open to everyone – free admission for all ages (from infants to 104!). It’s a family-friendly event with something for everyone.
Come out, learn some valuable safety tips and show your support for our local fire department!