One of the most important things you can do when it comes to wildfires is to prevent them. Everyone has the capability to prepare diligently and put a stop to wildfires. Fire is not always bad, many forest service members recognize a fire's essential role in our nation's ecosystem, but when they rage on uncontrolled it can have dire consequences.
Whether it is because of a gender reveal gone wrong or because of dry heat and brittle plants, it is important to be prepared for the dangers of a wildfire and the smoke show that can ensue. Everyone should take as many safety precautions for wildfires as possible.
Prepare Before
Most wildfires start without warning, which means you need to set up your safety precautions for wildfires well in advance. Around 73,000 acres of land, both private and public, are destroyed every year in a wildfire incident. This can mean the destruction of your home if your property is too close to the fire. Having an evacuation plan in place that is going to work for both the short term and the long term is essential, in order for you to properly prepare.
-
Sign up for your local weather notification or warning system. If your community does not have one, we recommend signing up for Civil Dispatch.
-
Pack an emergency kit and “go bag” that you can grab at a moment's notice.
-
Keep important documents and things in a fireproof location or box.
-
Try and create a “fire-resistant” zone for around 30 feet around your home, free from leaves and debris that could catch fire and bring the flames closer to your house.
Be Safe During
Your safety precautions for wildfires during an actual fire correlate directly with directions from authority figures. When authorities tell you to evacuate, it is best to do so as quickly as possible. However, during these unprecedented times, you will want to make sure that you also evacuate with items that are going to help you stay safe during COVID-19.
While you will want to keep you and your family safe from the actual fire itself, one of the most underrated dangerous parts of the fire comes from the smoke. Older adults, young children and people with heart and lung problems are the ones most likely to be affected by smoke inhalation. You can avoid excess smoke inhalation by checking local visibility reports, staying indoors as much as possible and avoiding indoor pollution (like lighting a candle or using a gas stove top).
Dealing with the Aftermath
Once the fire has moved on from the area, and local authorities have okayed your community to move back into your homes, it’s time to deal with any possible damage that may have occurred. Avoid touching any burnt plants or live embers, they could relight and cause more damage. Document all the damage with photos and clean up any stray glass that may have cracked.
Make sure you continue to take all your other safety precautions for wildfires and against COVID-19, and alert friends and family of your whereabouts.
Civil Dispatch
You can sign up for Civil Dispatch to be better prepared for emergency disasters like a wildfire. We can help you to be best prepared for whatever life throws your way.