Fire Hardening & Fuel Modification

What to pack in a 'go-bag'


Cal Fire advises that residents prepare a "go-bag" that includes the following:

  • a three-day supply of nonperishable food
  • three gallons of water per person
  • a map with at least two evacuation routes
  • necessary prescribed medications
  • a change of clothes, extra eyeglasses
  • an extra set of keys
  • credit cards and cash
  • a first aid kit
  • a flashlight
  • a battery-powered radio with extra batteries
  • copies of important documents such as passports or birth certificates
  • pet food and water 


The 5 P’s of Evacuations 

  1. People
  2. Pets
  3. Prescriptions
  4. Photos
  5. Papers (identification, passports) 


With the catastrophic fires burning in Los Angeles County, fire hardening and fuel modification is on everyone's mind. Our hearts go out to those impacted who have lost loved ones, homes, or cherished belongings. UHills residents have been organizing fire relief drives to collect and distribute necessities to those in need. We applaud those efforts.

 

It is important to remember that University Hills is not located in a high fire hazard severity zone. With this understanding, it is still a good time to examine what you can do to protect your home and be prepared should a fire occur. The State of California has some great resources for this, including a home hardening guide and information on the California Fair Plan for fire insurance coverage. Also check CalFire's insurance preparedness guide.


For UCI Emergency Management resources, including evacuation zones and plans, and ZotAlert sign up info, click on https://em.uci.edu/ (the household's primary uci.edu address can add 5 additional household email addresses for ZotMail emergency information.)


And finally, click here to read ICHA's fuel modification program. The program explains how ICHA collaborates annually with UC Irvine and the Orange County Fire Authority to remove and minimize “fuel” in natural areas surrounding University Hills. Let's Stay Safe!