Emergency Water Supply: Why and How
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Homeowner's Checklist describes six outdoor components of making your home fire safe:
Design and Construction
Access
Roof
Landscape
Yard
Emergency Water Supply
Although last on the list, maintaining an emergency water supply is key in fire prevention and preparedness. An on-site water source gives firefighters and homeowners a much better chance of protecting a threatened house or extinguishing one that is burning. In the event of a wildland fire, power will likely be disconnected and refilling fire engines takes precious time. Storing water with a pump and hose can be the key to saving your home.
You can maintain an emergency water supply that meets fire department standards through a community water or hydrant system, a cooperative emergency storage tank with neighbors, or a minimum storage supply of 2,500 gallons on your property (like a pond or pool). Clearly mark all emergency water sources and create easy firefighter access to your closest emergency water source. If your water comes from a well, consider an emergency generator to operate the pump during a power failure.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Homeowner's Checklist
(Cal Fire, 2021)
