What You Need to Know
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. Wildfire smoke can reach far away from where fires burn. Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but some people have a higher risk of getting sick, such as children, people who have chronic conditions, and people who are pregnant. Be ready to protect yourself against smoke and ash before, during, and after a wildfire. For resources on specific actions individuals and communities can take to reduce their exposure during smoke events go to https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-ready-toolbox-wildfires#ActionsReduceExposure
Steps You can Take now to Prepare for Wildfires:
- Recognize Warnings and Alerts
- Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which requires no-sign up.
- Pay attention to air quality alerts.
- Make an Emergency Plan
- Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands what to do if you need to quickly evacuate.
- Don’t forget a plan for the office, kids’ daycare and anywhere you frequent.
- Review Important Documents
- Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents, like ID, are up to date.
- 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 for at least 30 feet from your home.
- Designate a room that can be closed off from outside air. Close all doors and windows. Set up a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low when smoky conditions exist.
- Know your Evacuation Zone
- You may have to evacuate quickly due to a wildfire. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with household, pets and identify where you will go.
- 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, including a first aid kit, in your go bag or car trunk.
- Be cautious when carrying flammable or combustible household products that can cause fires or explosions if handled wrong, such as aerosols, cooking oils, rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer
- If available, store an N95 mask to protect yourself from smoke inhalation.
- Keep your cell phone charged when wildfires could be in your area. Purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
For more information go to https://www.ready.gov/wildfires
If you live in a wildland-urban interface (where homes meet wildlands), create a 30-foot zone of fire-resistant space around your home and consider using fire-resistant plants and landscaping. When disposing of charcoal briquettes and ash outside, drown the charcoal and ash with lots of water, stir them, and soak again. Be sure they are out cold. If someone smokes outside your home, maintain a 3-foot clearing around the smoker. Grind out cigarettes, cigars or pipe tobacco in the dirt, never on a stump or a log; do not throw smoking materials into brush or leaves. It is also unsafe to smoke while on a trail because you never know where the ash will land. Whether smoking in the car, inside or outdoors, it’s always best to use an ashtray. |
Remember Smokey Bear says #OnlyYou can prevent wildfires!