Instructions

This may sound silly but it’s important to think of how this sign is used. This is a new reference tool for firefighting officials. Like any new system, one needs to get accustomed to it. One way to help is to place this sign in a common location. Think about the parking sign—it has a standard color, shape, and placement.

Year-round, during fire season, or before evacuating—it is up to you and your comfort level about sharing information when you display this. Ideally, the sign would live on your gate, fence, or a post in your driveway. If you decide to only put it up right before evacuating, make sure to keep this sign with the rest of your wildfire evacuation equipment.

 

*All information fields on the sign are optional to fill out. Keep in mind that knowledge is power—if more information is provided to the first responders, it means efficiency and more informed decisions on their plan of attack.

 

 Owner’s Name 

Your first and/or last name 

 Phone Number

A way for the first responders or even a neighbor to reach you for many reasons—whether saving farm animals or needing access to something within your property to save your home.

 Wifi Network and Password 

A reliable internet connection in a remote place can be a lifesaver for first responders. Believe it or not, first responders use the same cellular networks that we do and experience the same issues. This is especially useful if you have power via a generator or battery and aren’t affected by power outages.

For example:

  • Doe Residence / Password

 Water Sources

Describe where your water sources are located. Making it easy for first responders to find and set up quickly can be the difference between saving or losing your home.

For example

  • 11k pool w/ 4” standpipe in driveway
  • 2 acre pond past the main house
  • 20k tanks w/ 2” standpipe south of house 

 Power Sources

Most people are tied to the grid but increasingly folks are moving away or adding backup power via generator or battery. If you have power when others don’t, it is advantageous for first responders’ communication, equipment, and overall capabilities. Pair this with a stable internet in a remote location, firefighters will want to spend time on your property.

 Propane/Gas Location

Describe the location of your propane or gas tanks. This is crucial for first responders as these can be ticking time bombs and no one should not be near it if it explodes.

For example

  • 500 gallon tank behind the house
  • 1,000 gallon tank buried under driveway

 Turnaround

If a firetruck were to enter your property it is important to know that they can either turn around in a car park or turnout or be able to drive through another gate to exit. 

For example

  • 60 foot turnaround
  • Exit through south gate

 Equipment

List the tools or equipment you’d like to offer to first responders such as hoses, hose adapters, ladders, or even a bulldozer or tractor.   

For example

  • Hoses, shovels, and ladders in the garage 
  • Tractor in the barn

 Notes

Add any relevant information about your property that you’d like the first responders to know.

For example

  • Goats in the pen behind the barn
  • Showers and drinking water in the barn