REPRINTED FROM THE COLORADO FORESTRY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER, Vol. 22, no. 1, janfebmar2003

Family Planning for Defensible Space
Christopher Crowley
Forest Hydrologist
Rocky Mountain Consultants

Many articles in newspapers, programs on television and radio, and educational flyers have been produced to inform Colorado landowners of the importance of creating a defensible space around their homes.  In a conversation with an “old-timer” a few weeks ago, he said the flush of information was reminiscent of life during war times when preparedness and warnings of potential doom were common.  He went on to say that the message was lacking one key ingredient:  How to keep the family together and informed in the case of a catastrophe. Clearing trees and brush and having a garden hose on the roof are very good advice, but what about the intangibles?  Here is a short list of family preparedness items with a focus on information and unity.

1. Set a place about 15 miles away to meet family members in case of fire or evacuation.  Closer and you could be in the way.  24-hour restaurants and hotels are good choices.

2. Create a separate portable lock box of the most important papers such as: marriage license, car titles, birth certificates, savings bonds, medical records, Social Security cards, credit car, insurance, prescriptions, etc.  Put in a few dollars as well just in case.

3. Have items for pets in a central place and a contact close to home to call if you are away.  Many kennels will help out if arrangements are made in advance.

4. Make sure your pets and livestock have identification attached to their collars and harnesses.

5. Back up your computer and have the disks within easy reach.

6. Create a list of the important phone numbers: school, work, nearby friend or relative, meeting place, etc. Make sure plenty of copies are made and that they are in the car and each person has one.

7. Make a sign telling that you have evacuated and include a phone number where you can be reached and place it on the front door when you leave so that fire fighters and police can contact you

8. Keep a small overnight bag with some essential clothing and sundry items in an easily accessible place or in the car trunk.

9. Pack a small portable radio to listen for news.

10. Put aside a Saturday morning and practice the route and method.