Zaca Fire Reminds Us to Plan Ahead for Evacuations
Incident: Zaca Wildland Fire
Released: 8/8/2007
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
300 N. San Antonio Road · Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 681-5102 · FAX (805) 681-5191
August 6, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Media Contact:
Michele Mickiewicz
Public Information Officer
(805) 681-5446
(805) 451-3497 (cell)
mailto:michele.mickiewicz@sbcphd.org
ADDITIONAL NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Klein-Rothschild
(805) 681-5435 or (805) 896-1057
Zaca Fire Reminds Us to Plan Ahead for Evacuations
The Zaca Fire continues to burn in Santa Barbara County. Some communities have received evacuation warnings, telling them to prepare for a possible evacuation. Other communities have received evacuation orders, telling them they must evacuate their homes. It's important for all Santa Barbara County residents to plan ahead so they will be prepared to evacuate quickly with important documents and supplies should the fire pose a risk to other communities in Santa Barbara County.
While efforts are underway to contain the blaze, the Zaca Fire continues to be a significant threat to our County. Natural disasters, such as the Zaca Fire, can strike suddenly. Taking time now to prepare to go at a moment's notice can save a lot of time and frustration. Think about what you will need to do for yourself, your family, your pets, and your animals to be prepared to evacuate. This kind of preparation will also help you be ready for other kinds of disasters.
There are three basic steps for disaster or emergency preparedness:
- KNOW -Learn if the Zaca Fire could affect your area and how to prepare for an evacuation. Think about evacuation routes so that you know how to leave quickly if necessary.
- PLAN -Talk with your family members about the Zaca Fire. Make an emergency plan and discuss it with your family. Select a meeting place, other than your home, for your loved ones to meet in case it's unsafe to return home or you are unable to return home. Make sure you designate an "emergency check-in" contact and teach your children the phone number for this contact.
- PACK - Prepare an emergency "grab and go" pack with important documentation, in case you have to "grab and go" during an evacuation. Also pack what you will need to meet your family's and your pet's needs. Include medications, prescriptions, and clothing you will need if you have to be away from home for a few days. See the attached information sheet for a list of important documents that you might put in your "grab and go" pack.
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