Tahoe Wildfire Preparedness Guide 2021

Tahoe W ildfire

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bears & wildlife

BEAR EMERGENCIES

BEAR League

(530) 525-7297 (24 hours) | savebears.org

A bear walking nearby or through your yard is not an emergency unless it is trying to enter your home or car.

INJURED ANIMALS

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Center, South Shore (530) 577-2273 | ltwc.org

The Wildlife Shelter, North Shore (866) 307-4216

WILDFIRE DANGER IS REAL IN TAHOE

FROM THE PUBLISHER

e West is burning. Smoke has been choking the Tahoe Sierra, made even worse by wild res in California, including the too-close-for comfort Caldor Fire that caused evacuations on the South and West shores of Lake Tahoe.

ose of us that live in the West know the new reality of climate change is that wild res are burning longer and more frequently, and more homes and businesses are in danger.

TAHOE WEEKLY is published weekly throughout the summer and biweekly the rest of the year, with occassional extra issues at holiday times by Range of Light Media Group, Inc. Look for new issues on Wednesdays. Subscribe to the free digital edition at issuu.com/ TheTahoeWeekly. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com.

As historic res burn across the West and the threat of wildres grows in Tahoe and Truckee, I felt a need to help our community be prepared in case a wild re and potential evacuations occur locally. I started our Preparing for a Wild re guide in the Tahoe Weekly to provide valuable information that you and your family can use to prepare for a wild re.

First, be prepared for the potential for an evacuation at any time (and that could mean with only minutes notice). Prepare a Go Bag for everyone in your family including your pets and use the Evacuation Checklist in this guide to help prepare.

Print out the checklists in this guide to use at home to prepare your family in the event of an evacuation and keep a copy in your Go Bag. We also have resources on how to create defensible space to protect your home.

TAHOE WEEKLY, est. 1982, ©2007. Reproduction in whole or in part without publisher’s express permission is prohibited. Contributions welcome via e-mail. The Weekly is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Member: North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, North Tahoe Business Association, Incline Community Business Association, Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, Tahoe City Downtown Association, Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, Tahoe South Chamber of Commerce and Alpine County Chamber of Commerce. Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Please recycle your copy. Cover Image courtesy CalFire.

ank you to our sponsors for supporting our work to create our rst Preparing for Wild re Guide. n

UNDERSTAND

Wildfire Warnings & Alerts

FROM TAHOE NETWORK OF FIRE ADAPTED COMMUNITIES

IFlag Warning? What about the di erence between an evacuation warning and an evacuation order?

Knowing the correct terminology is a great place to start preparing for wild re and preventing it.

RED FLAG WARNING

e National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings during weather conditions that could lead to extreme re behavior within the next 24 hours.

Such conditions include high and sustained wind speeds (averaging 15 mph or greater), low relative humidity (25 percent or less), and temperatures greater than 75 degrees.

During these events, extreme caution is advised as just one spark could cause a catastrophic wild re. All sources of outdoor ames are prohibited during Red Flag days, including propane and charcoal.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH

e National Weather Service issues a Fire Weather Watch 12 to 72 hours in advance of hazardous weather conditions that are forecasted. It means critical re

weather is possible but not imminent or occurring. e watch remains in e ect until it expires, is canceled, or upgraded to a Red Flag Warning.

Both Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches call for extreme caution. Stay up to date with local re district’s seasonal restrictions and never use re when and where it’s not allowed.

WILDFIRE EVACUATION ALERTS

If a wild re ignited during a Red Flag Warning or a Fire Weather Watch, you should know the correct evacuation terminology in case the re is lifethreatening.

Issued by local law enforcement, evacuation orders and evacuation warnings both suggest a threat to life and property, although they are slightly di erent.

Evacuation Order | An evacuation order is mandatory. It suggests there is an immediate threat to life, and it is a lawful order to leave. When this type of order is issued, everyone in the given evacuation zone must exit as the zone will be legally closed to the public until further notice.

Never ignore an evacuation order. Doing so puts not only your life at risk, but also the lives of law enforcement and re personnel.

Evacuation Warning | An evacuation warning suggests a potential threat to life. Evacuation isn’t mandatory at this point, although it is advised and preparation is absolutely necessary. Visit tahoelivingwith re.com to make a Wild re Evacuation Plan.

ose who require additional time to evacuate (such as elderly, disabled and large families with pets and livestock) should leave during a warning. In many instances, evacuation warnings quickly become evacuation orders.

| tahoelivingwith re.com n

SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS

Alpine County | alpinecountyca.gov

City of South Lake Tahoe | cityofslt.us

Douglas County | douglascountynv.gov

El Dorado County | ready.edso.org

Nevada County | mynevadacounty.com

Placer County | placer.ca.gov

Town of Truckee Nixle alerts

| local.nixle.com

Washoe County | washoecounty.us

Courtesy Living With Fire

IS YOUR GO BAG READY?

Preserve water FOR FIREFIGHTERS

Iyou were told to get ready for an evacuation or to evacuate immediately, do you have a Go Bag of essential items ready? If not, there’s no better time than right now to put yours together.

A Go Bag should be prepared before an emergency, be easily accessible and lled with at least a three-day supply of items needed to help you quickly and safely evacuate your home.

ESSENTIALS INCLUDE:

• Clothing and personal toiletries

• Face masks or coverings

• Inventory of home contents and photographs/videotape of the house and landscape

• An inventory checklist from your insurance agent

• Flashlight, portable radio tuned to an emergency radio station and extra batteries changed annually

• Extra set of car and house keys

• Contact information for family, friends and physicians

• Cash and extra credit cards

• Medications and prescription glasses

• Water and non-perishable food

• First-Aid kit

• Pet necessities including food, prescriptions, leashes and toys

• Important records – passports, birth certificates, titles, medical records, etc.

• Electronic chargers

• Paper map marked with Evacuation Routes (especially if you don’t live here full time)

OTHER ITEMS TO PACK:

• Hand sanitizer/wipes

• Books and magazines

• Games, cards and toys

• Trash bags

• Rain poncho

• Blankets

• Laundry detergent

• Rubber gloves

• Sleeping bag and tent

• Family heirlooms and photos

• Computers and hard drives

If you anticipate an extended evacuation at an emergency shelter or your family is returning to a home without functioning electricity and water, consider also creating a disaster supplies kit. Find information at redcross.org.

Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a ashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.

Water purveyors around Lake

Tahoe are reporting an alarming trend of residents leaving irrigation, garden hoses and sprinklers on roofs actively running when they evacuate their homes. Not only is this not helpful in protecting homes from wild re, but it can be detrimental for re ghters who rely on a water supply with adequate water ow to ght re in extremely dangerous conditions, according to a press release from North Tahoe Fire Protection District.

As a result, Lake Tahoe utility districts and water purveyors are experiencing a huge draw-down in water supplies and wells are pumping at maximum capacity throughout the area, even in evacuated areas that should be empty of residents. is can

leave tanks dangerously low when re ghters need fast access to water from re hydrants to protect homes. Residents are also calling re districts to ask if they should spray down roofs and vegetation before evacuating. is is not e ective, as the roof will dry quickly, as will the vegetation, which doesn’t protect the home itself. Wide-scale activation of sprinklers and garden hoses dramatically reduces water pressure in the entire region. Evacuation preparedness e orts are better spent on removing combustible material away from homes. | Resources tahoelivingwith re.com n

The recent Tamarack Fire | Courtesy U.S. Forest Service f

WILDFIRE EVACUATION CHECKLIST

Wild res are exploding across the West and can happen at any time in the Tahoe Sierra. Everyone – from residents to visitors – need to be ready to evacuate in the event of an emergency. Being prepared in advance with these tips will help you leave quickly if in the event of a disaster. Each family’s plan will be di erent, depending on a variety of issues, needs and situations.

WILDFIRE ACTION PLAN

• Meet with household members. Explain dangers to children and work as a team to prepare.

• Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.

• Post emergency phone numbers near phones.

• Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity.

• Select a safe meeting point in case you are separated.

• Complete a family communications plan that includes contact information for family members, work and school.

• Teach children how to make phone calls.

• Complete an inventory of home contents and photograph/video the house and landscape. Place files in your Go Bag and store a second copy elsewhere.

• Identify escape routes and safe places. Draw an escape plan highlighting two routes out of each room. Be sure everyone in your family knows them.

• Prepare an EVACUATED sign. Select a site to post signs where they will be clearly visible from the street.

• Prepare to address the special needs of vulnerable populations, including the elderly and people with medical problems or disabilities.

• If the family member is dependent upon medications, equipment or has special dietary needs, plan to bring those items with you. Documentation about insurance and medical conditions should also accompany the person.

• Plan transportation in advance for anyone with special needs.

• Make sure dogs and cats wear properly fitted collars with identification, vaccination, microchip and license tags.

• Exchange veterinary information with neighbors and file a permission slip with the veterinarian authorizing emergency care for your animals.

• Make sure all vehicles, trailers and pet carriers needed for evacuation are serviced and ready to be used.

• Assemble a pet Go Bag.

If you anticipate an extended evacuation at an emergency shelter or your family is returning to a home without functioning electricity and water, consider also creating a disaster supplies kit. Find information at redcross.org.

Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a ashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night. n

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE & EVACUATION ROUTES

Alpine County | alpinecountyca.gov

Incline Village & Crystal Bay | nltfpd.org

North Lake Tahoe & West Shore | bit.ly/3CRDgtG

South Lake Tahoe area | southtahoeemergencyguide.com

Tahoe Donner | tahoedonner.com

Truckee | truckeefire.org

Hard copies available at local fire districts

Follow the Six Ps for immediate evacuations

• People and pets

• Papers, phone numbers and important documents

• Prescriptions, vitamins and eyeglasses

• Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia

• Personal computer hard drive and disks

• Plastic (credit cards, ATM cards) and cash

CREATE A DISASTER SURVIVAL KIT

nce you can return to your home after an evacuation or after a disaster, you’ll need food and supplies on hand as power, water and gas may be out for extended periods of time and there may be limited resources, like food, available. You should also keep a kit prepared for winter disasters.

–Katherine E. Hill

BASIC SUPPLIES

• Water. 1 gallon per person, per day, 2-week supply. Include water for pets.

• Food. 2-week supply of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items.

• Manual can opener if using canned items.

• Portable gas stove with extra canisters

• Flashlight

• Battery-powered, solar or handcranked radio

• Extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Know CPR. Take a class, if needed. Visit redcross.org.

• Medications & medical supplies. 2-week supply including hearing aid batteries, glasses, syringes, etc.

• Baby supplies. Bottles and 2-week supply of formula, baby food, diapers, etc.

• Multi-purpose tool

• Sanitation & personal hygiene items

• Extra cash

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

• Cell phone with chargers, including a solar or battery-operated charger

• Family & emergency contact information (paper copy)

• Emergency blankets or sleeping bags

• Paper maps of the area

• Games & activities for children

• Pet supplies with 2 weeks of food

• Two-way radios

• Extra set of car & house keys

• Whistle

• Face masks

• Matches in a waterproof container

• Rain gear

• Towels

• Work gloves

• Tools & supplies for securing your home

• Extra clothing, hat & sturdy shoes

• Plastic sheeting

• Duct tape

• Scissors

• Household liquid bleach

• Fire extinguisher (know how to use it)

• Disposable paper plates, cups & utensils (biodegradable preferred)

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags & plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Non-sparking wrench & pliers for turning off utilities

• Locate all utilities shut offs in advance and know how to turn them off

MAKE A FIRST AID KIT (For a family of 4)

• Required medications & medical supplies for family members

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)

• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

• 5 antibiotic ointment packets

• 5 antiseptic wipe packets

• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

• 1 emergency blanket

• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

• 1 instant cold compress

• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size to fit adults)

• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets

• 1 3 in. gauze roll (roller) bandage

• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

• 5 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads

• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)

• 2 triangular bandages

• Tweezers

• Emergency First Aid guide (paper)

Check the kit regularly & replace expired items.

Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a ashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night. n

Courtesy FEMA

Have a paper copy posted at home and keep a copy in your Go Bag as electricity, the internet and cell phones may be inoperable during a disaster. Also available at TheTahoeWeekly.com or issuu.com/TheTahoeWeekly.com.

Truckee Travel Alert launched

Visit Truckee-Tahoe has launched Truckee Travel Alert to keep travelers informed about current conditions.

Updated daily, Truckee Travel Alert covers current conditions including weather forecasts, warnings, fire maps, air-quality data, outdoor recreation status, campfire restrictions, regional roadway status, wildfire lookout cams, power-outage planning and more. It was created to keep visitors informed about what to expect when planning a trip to Truckee; details are also offered about what to do in the event of an emergency.

Also on the site, there are visitors guides to Wildfire Season and Summer Power Outages. | visittruckeetahoe.com/travelalert

PREPARE YOUR FAMILY FOR EVACUATION

COURTESY AMERICAN RED CROSS & FEMA

Unfortunately, too many residents have learned recently what it’s likely to have to evacuate due to an impending wild re from the Caldor Fire to the Dixie Fire. Being prepared with a Go Bag for every family member, reviewing the Evacuation Checklist and creating a Disaster Survival Kit are just some of the essentials to prepare.

It’s also important to plan by talking to children, involving them with the plans and practicing regularly what they should do in case on an immediate evacuation. It’s also critical to plan for any needs for those with medical needs or disabilities that require special attention.

–Katherine E. Hill

TALK WITH CHILDREN

Evacuation plans for families with young children should include helping toddlers understand how to quickly respond in case of re and how adults can escape with babies. Prepare ahead of time by practicing your family’s re escape plan, and what to do to be safe when there is a wild re nearby.

A Parent’s Guide to Fire Safety for Babies and Toddlers

| e U.S. Fire Administration’s information site for parents and caregivers to help prevent re death of young children.

| usfa.fema.gov

Let’s Get Ready! | Sesame Workshop campaign with tips, activities and other tools to help prepare for emergencies.

| sesamestreet.org

Ready Kids | FEMA’s site for older kids to prepare and plan for a disaster. Includes safety steps, tips and games to help children learn about and be ready for an emergency. | ready.gov/kids

Smokey Kids | U.S. Forest Service’s interactive Smokey Bear site with games, information and resources on how to prevent forest res. | smokeybear.com

SENIORS AND THE DISABLED

Seniors and people with disabilities also need special consideration when preparing for a disaster.

Special Populations Fire-Safe Checklist

| U.S. Fire Administration’s re safety guide for individuals with special needs. | usfa.fema.gov

Disaster Preparedness for Senior by Seniors | e American Red Cross booklet designed by and for older adults to prepare them for a sudden emergency. | redcross.org

Emergency & Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities | American Red Cross Disaster Services booklet with resources to help people with physical, visual, auditory or cognitive disabilities design a personal disaster plan. | redcross.org

FAMILY COMMUNICATION PLAN

Post the plan on your refrigerator & review regularly with family members. Keep a copy in your Go Bag. n

Courtesy Cal Fire

What does a burn ban mean? BE PREPARED FOR CHANGING CONDITIONS

BY ERIN HOLLAND, NORTH TAHOE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

EDITOR’S NOTE: Items that are allowed or restricted may change daily depending on conditions, so be aware of where you are and what restrictions are in place at each location.

Understanding what a burn ban means is a bit of a confusing topic, but this burn ban graphic is an e ort to make it a little easier for visitors to follow. Generally speaking, the outdoor burning of wood and charcoal are banned, including at res-

idential areas, in the Truckee-Tahoe region, including a ban of all solid fuels within the City of South Lake Tahoe with no wood, charcoal or pellet barbecue until further notice.

California and Nevada state parks set permitted items and restrictions separately; so check at each location

Campgrounds managed by U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (like Martis Creek) and the Truckee Donner Land Trust, among others, may have varying restrictions, so be prepared to adhere to restrictions in place at each location.

Be prepared for a complete ban on all open ames at any location to be instituted at any time by always having a propane source for cooking.

RED FLAG WARNINGS

During red ag warnings, all sources of outdoor open ame are banned, including propane, with the exception of U.S. Forest Service and California State Parks, where propane/jellied fuels are

During red flag warnings, all sources of outdoor open flame are banned, including propane.

still permitted in designated camp sites. Restrictions could change as the re season progresses, so visitors will want to con rm the restrictions for the locations they’ll be visiting throughout the season at tahoelivingwith re.com. n

Additional information was provided by Amanda Milici with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District.

RESOURCES

Check daily conditions & nd more information at tahoelivingwith re.com.

Courtesy Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME from wildfires

STORY BY AMANDA MILICI, TAHOE RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Living at Lake Tahoe is special. It means living amongst endless recreation opportunities and living with the peace and serenity created by our shared body of pristine water. However, living at Lake Tahoe also means living with something else: wild re.

By owning a home in a Wildland Urban Interface (the zone where natural environments intersect human development), Tahoe residents take on the extra respon-sibility of protecting their homes from wild re. Although the thought of losing a home is scary and tragic, there is a lot residents can do to increase their home’s wild re resiliency.

In January 2021, a team of California and Nevada scientists and practitioners published the Wild re Home Retro t Guide. Filled with speci c recommen-dations for each component of the home, the guide empowers residents to address their home’s vulnerabilities.

In the past, we’ve focused a lot on vegetation and defensible space. Of course, good defensible space is absolutely necessary, but we need to remember that our homes themselves are combustible, too.

During a wild re, 60 to 90 percent of home loss is due to embers. Depending on a re’s intensity and wind speed, embers can travel more than a mile ahead of a ame front. us, even a home blocks away from a re can be at risk of ignition.

e Wild re Home Retro t Guide reco-

to vents), to full retro ts (replacing a wood-shake roof).

e Wild re Home Retro t Guide is beyond informative. It’s empowering. It allows residents to look at their home, see what they can do to protect it, and feel more in control of their wild re risk.

e Wild re Home Retro t Guide is free and can be downloaded at tahoelivingwith re.com. n

Filled with specific recommendations

for each component of the home, the guide empowers residents to address their home’s vulnerabilities.

mmends a coupled approach that

considers both the vegetation surrounding a home and the home’s construction materials. It includes recommendations for ember-vulnerable components of a home including roofs, rain gutters, eaves, vents, siding, skylights, windows, decks, chimneys and fences. ese recommendations range from routine maintenance (removing pine needles from roofs and gutters), to DIY projects (installing 1/8th-inch metal mesh screening

The guide was funded by CAL FIRE California Climate Investments. Contributing agencies to the Guide include University of Nevada, Reno Extension; University of California Cooperative Extension; Tahoe Resource Conservation District; Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities; Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team; and Tahoe Living With Fire.

Mike Vollmer

DOES YOUR HOME HAVE DEFENSIBLE SPACE?

If a wild re breaks out, will re ghters be able to save your home? Having defensible space around your home will mean the di erence between whether re ghters can save your home or not.

e term defensible space refers to the area between a house and an oncoming wild re where the vegetation has been managed to reduce the wild re threat and allow re ghters to safely defend the house. In the event that re ghters are not available, defensible space also improves the likelihood of a home surviving without assistance.

DEFENSIBLE SPACE ZONE

e size of the defensible space is usually expressed as a distance extending outward from the house in all directions.

e recommended distance is not the same for every home. It varies depending on the dominant vegetation surrounding the home and steepness of slope.

Once the recommended distance for defensible space is known, mark it by tying strips of cloth or agging to shrubs. is becomes the Defensible Space Zone.

If the Defensible Space Zone exceeds your property boundaries, talk to neighbors about creating defensible space and o er to help with the work. It is important to note that the e ectiveness of the Defensible Space Zone improves when entire neighborhoods implement defensible space practices.

REMOVE DEAD VEGETATION, DEBRIS

Remove dead and dying vegetation including:

• Dead and dying trees.

• Dead native and ornamental shrubs.

• Dead branches.

• Dried grass, weeds and owers.

• Exposed branches from fallen trees that are embedded into the ground. For fallen pine needles and leaves:

• Within 5 feet of the house, remove routinely throughout re season.

• From 5 feet to 30 feet of the house, remove every spring by May 1.

• More than 30 feet from the house, do not allow fallen needles and leaves to exceed a depth of 3 inches.

THIN NATIVE VEGETATION

Within the Defensible Space Zone, native trees and shrubs (Je rey pine, white r and manzanita) should not occur in dense stands. Dense stands of trees and shrubs pose a signi cant wild re threat. Within 30 feet of the house, the canopies of individual or small groups of several trees should be separated by 10 feet to 30 feet. Contact local re professionals or TRPA to have your trees evaluated and marked for removal.

REMOVE LADDER FUEL

Vegetation that can carry a re from low-growing plants to taller plants is called ladder fuel. In areas where trees have been thinned as noted above, lower tree branches should be removed to a height of at least 10 feet. Shrubs and trees growing under the drip line should also be removed. Irrigated, well-maintained lawns and ower beds, as well as low-growing ground covers can be present under the tree’s drip line as long as they would not allow a re to ignite the tree. Removal of tree branches should not exceed one third of the total tree height. Removing more than this can be detrimental to tree health. For tips on proper tree pruning, contact a Cooperative Extension o ce.

LEAN, CLEAN AND GREEN AREA

Create a Lean, Clean and Green Area extending 5 to 30 feet from the house. e rst goal is to eliminate easily ignitable fuels, or kindling, near the house. is will help prevent embers from starting a re in your yard. e second goal is to keep re intensity low if it does ignite near the house.

• Remove dead and drying vegetation and debris regularly.

• Wood and bark mulches can be used in this area, but not in a widespread manner and areas should separated by noncombustible materials.

• Native shrubs should be substantially reduced in this area. Individual specimens or small groups can be retained as long as they are kept healthy and vigorous, pruned and would not allow a re to travel rapidly across the area.

• Use low-growing (less than 18 inches tall), irrigated, herbaceous plants, such as lawn, clover, erosion-control grasses, owers, some ground covers and succulents, that are recommended for the area.

• Ornamental, deciduous trees and shrubs can be used as specimens or in small groups. ey should be irrigated, kept healthy and vigorous, free of dead leaves and wood, and arranged so that they could not rapidly transmit re.

Courtesy UNR Cooperative Extension

IS YOUR HOME READY FOR A DISASTER?

Living With Fire Virtual Series

• Ornamental evergreen shrubs and trees such as juniper, mugo pine, Austrian pine and others, should not be used within this area.

• Clear all ammable vegetation from within 10 feet of a propane tank.

• Remove tree limbs that are within 10 feet of a chimney, house, deck and roof.

• Remove limbs that are encroaching on power lines.

NONCOMBUSTIBLE AREA

Create a Noncombustible Area at least 5 feet wide around the base of the house. It should consist of noncombustible landscape materials and ignition-resistant, low-volume plants.

MAINTAIN DEFENSIBLE SPACE ZONE

Maintaining a defensible space is an ongoing activity. Plants grow back and ammable vegetation needs to be routinely removed and disposed of properly. | trpa.gov n

California Cooperative Extension Offices | ucanr.edu

Defensible Space Inspection

| Contact local fire district; tahoelivingwithfire.com

Landscape mulches | livingwithfire.com

Living with Fire homeowner’s guide | trpa.gov

Native plants | naes.agnt.unr.edu

Nevada Cooperative Extension Offices | ucanr.edu

Tree removal | trpa.gov

Ensuring that your insurance coverage is adequate and having an up-to-date home inventory are essential tools in being nancially prepared in case of a natural disaster or re. Keep a copy of your home inventory in a rebox and with you Go Bag.

CHECK INSURANCE COVERAGE

Check your policy limits and coverage annually and make sure your policy re ects the correct square footage, features in your home and any recent improvements. Consider purchasing building code up-grade coverage. Keep a list of insurance contacts and policy details in your Go Bag. Include the information on the llable Family Communication Plan provided in the Sept. 8 edition of Tahoe Weekly and available at eTahoeWeekly.com. What’s covered | e details matter. Understand if you have a replacement cost policy that pays to replace all your items at current market price or an actual cash value policy that takes depreciation into account and pays less for aged items. Home improvements | If you make home improvements, be sure to update your coverage including for new countertops, oors, etc.

Maintain insurance | If your home is paid o , be sure to maintain homeowner insurance. Without insurance, you likely won’t have the funds to rebuild.

Renters insurance | Renters can lose everything in a re and be left to start over. Many insurers bundle coverage with an auto insurance policy at a ordable prices.

PREPARE A HOME INVENTORY

Filing insurance claims will be easier if you have an accurate home inventory by documenting the contents of your home. Use your smartphone to video your belongings, including vehicles and equipment. Keep your inventory and photos outside the home or stored in the cloud.

Make an inventory | Video or photograph each room of your home. Remember to document drawers and closets. Don’t forget the garage and sheds. Download a Home Inventory Checklist from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or download the app to make one on a phone.

Document value | Keep a record or video of prices of items and where and when you purchased them. Make note of important or expensive items like electronics, appliances, sports equipment, TVs, computers, jewelry, etc.

Save receipts | Save receipts for all major purchases and store in the cloud or a reproof case. | ready.gov/plan, readyforwild re.org n

During a wild re, thousands of embers can rain down on your roof and pelt the side of your home like hail during a storm. If these embers become lodged in something easily ignited on or near your house, the home will be in jeopardy of burning.

Common materials that become embers during wild re include pine cones, branches, tree bark and wooden shingles. Depending on re intensity, wind speed and the size of materials that are burning, embers can be carried more than a mile ahead of the re. Consequently, even

homes located blocks away from the ame front are vulnerable to ignition and complete destruction.

By being ember aware and taking action ahead of time, a homeowner can substantially reduce the ember threat. n

2.Roof Openings

Plug openings in roof coverings such as the open ends of barrel tiles, with non-combustible materials.

3.Roof Debris

Routinely remove plant debris such as pine needles, leaves, branches and bark, from the roof.

4.Skylights

Replace plastic skylights with types constructed of double-pane glass. One of the panes should be tempered glass. Close skylights if wildfire is threatening.

5. Spark Arrester

Install an approved spark arrester on chimneys.

6.Windows

Replace single-pane, non-tempered glass windows with multiple-pane, tempered-glass types. Close all windows if wildfire is threatening.

7. Vents

Cover attic, eave and foundation vents with 1/8-inch wire mesh or install new vent types designed to prevent ember entry. If wildfire is threatening, consider covering vent openings.

8.Rain Gutters

Keep rain gutters free of debris. Consider using rain gutter covers to reduce maintenance.

Move firewood stacks and scrap lumber piles at least 30 feet from the house or other buildings.

11. Patio Furniture

Place combustible patio furniture such as lounges, tables and hammocks inside the house or garage if wildfire is threatening.

12.Deck Boards

Replace deck boards that are less than 1-inch thick or that are in poor condition with thicker, good condition boards. Use metal flashing between the deck and the house.

13.Deck Debris

Remove plant debris from the gaps between deck boards, the gap between the deck and house, and lying on top of the deck.

14.Porch & Deck Accessories

If wildfire is threatening, remove combustible materials from the porch and deck including newspapers, wicker baskets, door mats, pine cones and dried flower arrangements, and place BBQ propane tanks indoors.

15. Under the Deck

Remove plant debris, wood piles and other easily ignited materials from under decks. Consider enclosing the open sides of the deck with siding materials that are properly vented or 1/8-inch wire mesh to reduce maintenance and deter ember entry. Do not use wooden lattice.

plywood or fiber-cement board. Use tongue and groove joints or other intricate joint types and don’t use butt joints.

18. Flowerbeds

Replace wood mulches with noncombustible types and remove plant debris, including dried grass and flowers, dead leaves and dead branches from flowerbeds. Replace ornamental junipers with low-growing deciduous shrubs or flowers under irrigation.

19. Vehicles

Close vehicle windows. Back into the garage and close the garage door or park away from the house.

20.Garage Door

Adjust garage doors to achieve as tight as fit as possible with the door frame. Consider using trim around the garage door opening to reduce gap openings. Close the garage door if wildfire is threatening.

21. Garbage Cans and Recycling Bins

Use garbage cans covered with tight fitting lids near the house or other buildings. Move newspaper recycling bins indoors.

22.Wooden Fences

Maintain wooden fences in good condition and create a noncombustible fence section or gate next to the house for at least 5 feet.

How to Help

These are challenging times for those being impacted by the wild res burning around California and directly impacts the residents of the Tahoe Sierra. If you need help or want to help those in need, here’s some of the resources available to provide services and to accept donations.

AlertWildfire Camera Network

Donations needed to support this network. | tahoeprosperity.org

Almanor Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund

Aiding those impacted by the Dixie Fire. | almanorfoundation.com

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is staffing evacuation centers and providing support to victims of wildfires. Check the website for current evacuation areas. | redcross.org

Barton Foundation

Emergency Response Fund

Assisting local families and individuals facing food insecurity due to impacts from the fire. | bartonhealth.org

Caldor Fire Recovery

Eldorado County page with information on available services and assistance. | edcgov.us

California Fire Foundation

Victim assistance provided and donations needed. | cafirefoundation.org

California Office of Emergency Services

State resources for housing assistance and other needs. | wildfirerecovery.caloes. ca.gov

El Dorado Community Foundation

The El Dorado County Community Foundation set up a Caldor Fire Fund. All donations go to families and individuals impacted by the fire.| eldoradocf.org

Hands 4 Hope

Collecting monetary and supply donations for the Caldor Fire victims. | hands4hopeyouth.org/caldorfire

Hunger Relief Boxes

Apply through Tahoe Food Hub at tahoefoodhub.org or make a donation to support its efforts at tahoefoodhub. networkforgood.com.

Lake Valley Firefighter’s Community Relief Fund

To support the immediate needs and efforts of Lake Valley Fire crews and other agencies. | bit.ly/3mX52iY

Placer Food Bank

The Placer Food Bank is providing emergency food response/distribution to those impacted by fires. | donate.placerfoodbank.org

Philanthropy California

Provides state-wide information for victims of wildfires. | philanthropyca.org

Project Camp

A trauma-informed pop-up day camp that supports children and families affected by disasters. Enrolling kids who were evacuated during the Caldor and Dixie fires. Volunteers also needed. | projectcamp.co

Sierra Community House | Provides food assistance and other family needs. | sierracommunityhouse.org

Social Services

California resources for assistance and services. | cdss.ca.gov/disaster-help-center

South Lake Tahoe Resources

Resources for lodging, transportation, pet services and more through City of South Lake Tahoe. | cityofslt.us/ evacuationresources

Smartest Forest Fund

Donations to support Tahoe Fund’s efforts to invest in state-of-the-art technology to help decrease the threat of catastrophic wildfire. | tahoefund.org

Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless Works with the homeless and vulnerable residents. | tahoehomeless.org

Tahoe Together Caldor Fire Relief Fund to support restaurant and bar workers. | tahoeprosperity.org

Tahoe/Truckee Emergency Response Fund

Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation relief fund. | ttcf.net

Tamarack Fire Assistance

Applications now open for assistance at alpinecounty.com/give, (530) 694-2475 or stop by the Chamber of Commerce in Markleeville for a paper copy. Donations to the fund may be made at bit.ly/3zKAWmf n

–Katherine E. Hill

RESOURCES

Cal Fire | readyforwildfire.org

Create a disaster kit | redcross.org

Create a home wildfire checklist | readyforwildfire.org

Current fire conditions & restrictions | tahoelivingwithfire.com

Nevada Fire Info | nevadafireinfo.org

Prepare for a disaster | tahoelivingwithfire.com/ get-prepared

Truckee Travel Alert | visittruckeetahoe.com

Wildfire Evacuation Checklist | livingwithfire.com

Un Kit De Suministros De Emergencia | readyforwildfire.org

Cal Fire

Please post where visible for rescue personnel if you need to evacuate.

WE HAVE EVACUATED

ALL occupants evacuated on:

Adult:

Adult:

Child:

Child:

Pets:

Others: CONTACT INFO:

Evacuated to:

Emergency contacts:

Vehicle driven:

License plate:

Vehicle driven:

License plate: