Neighborhood evacuation drill in Skyland on Monday

The Tahoe Douglas Fire District and Skyland Fire Adapted Community will execute an inter-agency wildfire evacuation drill on Monday, June 8, 2015 between the hours of 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The drill will simulate a real evacuation event to give residents the opportunity to practice evacuating from their homes and getting to the designated safe zone. Situations which could cause a neighborhood evacuation would be a wildfire, earthquake, hazardous spill or some other catastrophic event.

The Neighborhood Evacuation drill for Skyland will begin with an all agency briefing then Douglas County Sheriff Deputies drive each street in Skyland and giving evacuation instructions on a bullhorn. Residents will be directed to Zephyr Cove Park where an evacuation center will set up for registration.

The drill will serve to remind all residents that in the event of a wildfire, if the situation permits, they should make certain all windows and doors are tightly closed as embers can enter the home though small openings. Turn on all lights so firefighters can see inside your home. Close all interior doors. Remove lightweight curtains and drapes as they may catch fire from radiated heat. Put all patio flammable furniture inside the home; the cushions can catch fire and start the home on fire. Open the gates to fences attached to the home; the opening will act as a firebreak.

As part of the defensible space for the property, homeowners also need to make sure exterior vents are screened with 1/8-inch wire mesh to prevent burning embers and brands from entering the attic or crawl space. Homeowners should also contact their homeowner insurance agent or company to make certain their home is properly insured.

Residents are also reminded be aware that Red Flag Days are those days with high fire danger. All Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District fire stations will be flying a red flag on the flag pole on days with a red flag warning. This is a year with very dry conditions, so it is stressed to be very cautious with anything that could cause a wildfire, prepare our homes to survive, and be prepared to evacuate.