Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests, grasslands or prairies. These dangerous fires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildlife and natural areas but also communities. Here's how to prepare.
Recognize warnings and alerts
Have several ways to receive alerts:
Check if your local government authority, weather station or news channel offers a warning system that sends real-time alerts to notify the local public of any weather concerns.
Sign up for email updates from a local emergency-management authority.
Pay attention to air-quality alerts.
Make an emergency plan
Ensure everyone in your household knows and understands what to do if you need to evacuate quickly.
Have a plan for various locations within your home and your property because fires may block main entry and exit points.
Review important documents
Ensure your insurance policies and personal documents (like your identification) are current.
Make copies, and keep them in a secure, password-protected digital space.
Strengthen your home
Use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate or make repairs.
Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property.
Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of leaves, debris or flammable materials at least nine meters from your home.
Designate a room that can be closed off from the outside air. Close all doors and windows. Set up a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low in smoky conditions.
Know your evacuation zone
You may have to evacuate quickly due to a wildfire. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets and identify where you will go. Have different routes planned in case one is unavailable.
Follow the instructions from local authorities. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.
Gather supplies
Have enough supplies for your household; include medication, disinfectant supplies, masks and pet supplies in your go bag or car. Being prepared allows you to address smaller medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals:
Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, making essential purchases and slowly building up supplies in advance will allow for longer time periods between shopping trips.
If you already have an N95 mask, use this to protect yourself from smoke inhalation. Cloth masks, surgical masks and dust masks provide protection but will not protect you from smoke inhalation.
Be cautious when carrying flammable or combustible household products that can cause fires or explosions if handled incorrectly, such as aerosols, cooking oils, rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer.
Keep your mobile phone charged when wildfires could be in your area. Purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
Source: U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency
