Santa Barbara Thomas Fire and What to Do

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

This is a photo of the Thomas Fire in Santa Barbara.

California has had some of the most destructive fires in its history this autumn. As the Thomas Fire burns, our team here at SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade wanted to share some tips by Business Insider on what to do if you were to get caught in a wild fire, and how you can help the communities of Goleta and Santa Barbara.

If you’re asked to evacuate your home:  

• Do so immediately.
• Know your evacuation route ahead of time and prepare an evacuation checklist and emergency supplies (for information on how to make an emergency kit, click here).
• Wear protective clothing and footwear to protect yourself from flying sparks and ashes.

Before You Leave, Prepare Your House

• Remove combustibles, including firewood, yard waste, barbecue grills, and fuel cans, from your yard.
• Close all windows, vents, and doors to prevent a draft.
• Shut off natural gas, propane, or fuel oil supplies.
• Fill any large vessels – pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, or tubs – with water to slow or discourage fire.

What to do if you get caught in a wildfire

• Don't try to outrun the blaze. Instead, look for a body of water such as a pond or river to crouch in.
• If there is no water nearby, find a depressed, cleared area with little vegetation, lie low to the ground, and cover your body with wet clothing, a blanket, or soil. Stay low and covered until the fire passes.
• Protect your lungs by breathing air closest to the ground, through a moist cloth, if possible, to avoid inhaling smoke.

Ways to help victims of the Thomas Fire

Volunteer Opportunities

• Red Cross is looking for volunteers to support the disaster response. Volunteer work ranges from phone calls, data entry and client registration, to shelter support and supply replenishment. With 7 shelters open, help is greatly appreciated.  
• Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Ball Club is offering shelter to horses needing evacuation from the fires. Club Volunteer work includes help feeding, watering, and mucking out the stables of the evacuated horses. Feed and barn supply donations are also appreciated to assist with the effort. Those able to help can contact Shannon McGraw, at (805) 455-2400.

Where to Donate

• Thomas Fire Fund or text UWVC to 41444
• Humane Society of Ventura County needs help with donations for the 300 pets that have been lost due to the fires
• Ventura Community Disaster Relief Fund
• Donate to charities you know and trust; do not give out personal or financial information unless you know the charity is reputable. Check out a charity before you donate by contacting the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance online or at 703-276-0100