Over the past few years, the Lake Tahoe region has experienced some of the most devastating forest fires. With summer around the corner, our team at Borelli Architecture in Incline Village researched ideas on what you can do in advance to prepare you, your home, and your family ahead of time.
Thanks to the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, there is a wealth of information online. Throughout our next few News articles, we are going to share some of their most valuable resources.
This first Edition comes from their Emergency Preparedness Brochure, General Emergency Preparedness section.
GET INFORMED & MAKE A FAMILY PLAN
In our area, we have the potential for disasters caused by earthquakes, wildland fires, and weather-related emergencies. Take time to plan for the problems related to each type of disaster.
If you have pets, make a pet plan. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.
Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons in your home or neighborhood.
Ask about disaster plans at your workplace, your children’s school or daycare center, and other places where your family spends time.
MAKE A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN
Meet with household members — Explain the dangers to children and your emergency plans. Work with them as a team to prepare your family to deal with emergencies.
Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.
Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at your home.
Decide where to meet — In the event of an emergency, you may become
separated from family members. Choose a place right outside your home in case
of a sudden emergency, like a fire. Choose a location outside your neighborhood
in case you cannot return home.
Choose an “Out-of-Town” contact — Ask an out-of-town friend or relative to be
your contact in the event of a disaster. Everyone must know the contact’s phone
number. It is often easier to make a long-distance phone call than a local call from
a disaster area. Teach children how to make long-distance telephone calls.
Complete a family communications plan – Your plan should include contact
information for family members, work, and school.
In a fire or other emergency, you may need to evacuate very quickly. Be ready to get out fast. Be sure everyone in your family
knows the best escape routes out of your home as well as where the safe places are in your home for each type of disaster. Draw a Home Family Escape Plan with your family outlining two escape routes from each room.
Schools will soon be closing for the summer, which makes now an ideal time to set aside time to make your own family emergency plans. We encourage you to do so, soon, and wish you a safe and memorable summer to come.
James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060