Pre-Evacuation Information
Incident: Fern Lake Wildfire
Released: 12/1/2012
ESTES VALLEY RESIDENT EVACUATION INFORMATION
How much time to I have
o For Pre-Evacuation Notifications: When you receive a pre-evacuation notification, you should prepare to evacuate. You should start packing and load your vehicle with your personal belongings. The attached checklist should be completed to give your home the best chance of being protected. Don't forget your tools or other items you may need for your work. You should be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Once you leave, you will not be able to return to your residence until emergency personnel say it is safe to do so. Be sure to take everything that you may need. You must make arrangements to have any large animals moved to a safe location away from the fire area. (Estes Park's Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave. or the Ranch in Loveland, 5280 Arena Cir.)
o For Evacuation Orders: When you receive an evacuation order, it is your last notification and you will be advised to leave your home in 1 to 2 hours. The fire is approaching quickly. Load your family and pets in your vehicle with your possessions and leave immediately. Estes Park High School until 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Then Mountain View Bible Fellowship at Peakview Drive and Highway 7.
How will I be notified
o Reverse telephone emergency notification will be used for all landlines in the risk area. Register to receive additional notifications on your cell phone, by text, or by email at www.leta911.org. We will also attempt to have emergency personnel keep you updated. If the fire's spread is faster than anticipated, you may be asked to leave with little advance warning. You should be ready as quickly as possible.
What road/route should I take
o Eastbound Hwy 36 or 34.
Where can I find information about the fire
o Call the Fern Lake Fire information number at 970-577-3716 or visit www.inciweb.org
Who will protect my home
o Law enforcement personnel will patrol your area 24 hours a day; firefighters will be in the area fighting the fire in an attempt to keep your home safe.
How long will I be displaced
o At this time, we do not know the answer. As soon as it is deemed safe to return, we will notify you, either at the shelter or on the local radio stations.
Pre-Evacuation Preparation Steps
When an evacuation is anticipated, complete this checklist (if time allows) to give your home the best chance of surviving a wildfire:
Outside
o Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, children's toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.).
o Turn off propane tanks.
o Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.
o Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters.
o Fill water buckets and place them around the house.
o Don't leave sprinklers or water running; they can reduce critical water pressure.
o Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness of night.
o Put your Emergency Supply Kit in your vehicle.
o Back your car into the driveway with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you.
o Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof.
o Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
o Patrol your property and monitor the fire situation. Don't wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened.
o Check on neighbors and make sure they are preparing to leave.
Inside the House
o Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked.
o Remove flammable window shades and curtains. Close metal shutters.
o Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
o Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
o Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house in smoky conditions.
o Shut off the air conditioning.
Animals
o Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
o Prepare large animals for transport and think about moving them to a safe location early.
