Practice Wildfire Safety

Create a Disaster plan

• Create your department emergency action plan.
• Create your department continuity plan.
• Practice and review your plans.
• Did you include escape routes, plans for staying in touch if separated by disaster (pick meeting place and an out-of-state contact)?
• Post emergency telephone numbers.
• Learn first aid and CPR. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter or UC San Diego Recreation for training.
• Learn how to use a fire extinguisher.

Assemble an Emergencies Supplies kit

• Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or trash containers. Keep one kit in your home, car, and workplace.

• Listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information
  • If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Wear protective clothing and footwear.
• Take your Emergency Supplies kit and personal belongings.
• Tell someone you left and where you are heading.

If you discover a fire

• Activate the fire alarm and call for help.
  • Campus phones: call 911
  • Other phones: call (858) 534-4357
  • UC San Diego Medical Center: call Security at 6111
• What to do if you discover a fire (for large or small fires).

If you are caught in a wildfire

• Don't try to outrun the blaze.
• Seek out hoses or a body of water. If there's none nearby, remain low to the ground and cover your body with wet clothing.
• To minimize inhaling smoke, breathe close to the ground, through a moist cloth.

• Check with fire officials before attempting to return.
• Be careful about smoldering and sparks. Consult UC San Diego experts on hot spots.
• If injuries or damage occurred, notify the Risk Management Office, (858) 534-3820.
• Report used extinguishers as soon as possible:
  • Campus: Facilities Management Service Referral Desk, (858) 534-2930
  • UC San Diego Medical Center-Hillcrest: Facilities Engineering Help Desk, (619) 543-6454
  • UC San Diego Medical Center-Thornton: Facilities Engineering Help Desk, (858) 657-6400

• Wildfire and Air Quality Index
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
• Ash and Debris Cleanup Guidance, SD County and SD Regional Water Quality Control Board
• Burn Institute: Nonprofit health agency dedicated to reducing the number of burn injuries and deaths in local counties
• Safety Tips: Wildland Fires, City of San Diego
• Firesafe: Fire and safety resource directory for San Diego County