Be Fire Wise

I recently went to a training on emergency preparedness. The example focused on wildfire in the Little Walnut Greenbelt, and highlighted the elements of preparedness that we should all focus on. I followed up by having a SIZE analysis done on my house and discovered some things that I definitely need to take care of.

Here is what I got from the training.

📋 The 4-Step Emergency Plan

Austin Emergency Management outlines a foundational four-step approach to disaster readiness. For full details, visit the Ready Central Texas 4-Steps Page.

1. Make a Plan

• Communication: Designate a local meeting place outside the home and choose an out-of-area contact everyone can check in with if separated.
• Contacts: Keep local public safety numbers (police, fire, hospital) handy.
• Insurance Prep: Do a video walk-through of your home to document belongings. Store this footage digitally in the cloud or keep a physical copy with a trusted friend outside the area.

2. Build a Kit

• Duration: Assemble enough basic supplies for seven days for everyone in your household (including pets).
• The Basics: Water, non-perishable food, first aid, and hygiene items packed in a portable container like a backpack.
• The Add-ons: Flashlights, extra batteries, portable chargers, blankets, cash, and seasonal items.
• Resources: Download a customized list via the Emergency Supply Kit Checklist.

3. Know Your Neighbors

Keep tabs on your immediate community to identify who might need extra help:

• Who has medical or mobility issues? (Encourage them to register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR))
• Who is away on vacation or doesn’t have easy access to digital alerts?
• Who has pets at home that might need rescuing?

4. Stay Informed & Prepare Your Home

Protect your property ahead of time by understanding the Structure Ignition Zone Evaluation (SIZE). You can schedule a free evaluation through 311, by emailing firewildfire@austintexas.gov, or by visiting the Austin Firewise Communities Portal.

• Immediate Zone (0–5 ft): Move brush, bushes, and flammable items (like trash bins) away from the house. Use fire-resistant materials for fences, siding, and roofing.
• Intermediate Zone (5–30 ft): Manage landscaping, thin out vegetation, and maintain defensible space.
• Extended Zone (30–100 ft): Ensure proper clearing and critical space for emergency vehicle access/egress. Note: Remember that wooden fences act as fuel pathways directly to your home.

🚨 Emergency Alerts & Incident Stages

Where to Sign Up

• Local Alerts: Register your phone and email at Warn Central Texas.
• Apps: Download the Watch Duty App for real-time wildfire tracking.
• National System: Ensure your phone has IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert & Warning System) notifications turned on in your settings (do not accidentally opt-out).
• Community Events: Track Austin’s monthly emergency preparedness popups at the Emergency Preparedness Pop-Up Events Page.

Understanding the 3 Incident Stages

Stage	What It Means	What You Should Do
1. Shelter-in-Place	You are currently at lower risk. Staying put keeps the roads clear for high-risk evacuees and arriving emergency vehicles.	Review your family plan, check your “go-kit” and medications, gather irreplaceable belongings, prep pets for transport, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
2. Evacuation Warning	High potential for danger in your immediate area.	Actively prepare to leave. Secure the house, load your vehicle, and remain on high alert.
3. Evacuation Order	Imminent danger. You must leave immediately.	Follow designated routes to a Temporary Assembly Point (TAP) or look for local QR codes to check in online so emergency crews know you are safe.

🏛️ City Roles & Post-Disaster Resources

Who Does What During a Crisis?

• Austin Fire Department (AFD): Fights the fire, conducts door-to-door evacuation checks, and helps residents exit safely.
• Austin EMS: Handles medical emergencies and provides transport for mobility-impaired residents.
• Austin Police Department (APD): Controls perimeter access and manages evacuation traffic flow.
• Austin Emergency Management: Coordinates communication across all city departments and the public.

After the Disaster

• Insurance: File your claims immediately using the video/digital documentation you made during your planning phase.
• Damage Reporting: Report property damage to the state via the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).
• Deep-Dive Planning: To see the city’s long-term strategy for all disasters (tornados, floods, wildfires, etc.), read the draft Austin Hazard Mitigation Action Plan (HMAP).