Wildfires can be devastating, and they’re becoming more frequent and severe as the climate continues to change. These fires have destroyed homes and forests—and led to many casualties. By taking steps now to prepare for wildfires, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from injury or death during these terrifying events.
Here are some tips on what you can do:
Prepare an emergency kit
You never know when disaster will strike. It’s important to create an emergency kit – such as a backpack with basic supplies (food, water, first aid kit) handy in case you need to evacuate quickly or if the power goes out during a wildfire. Keep necessary first aid supplies stocked and ready so you’ll have the tools you need to assist with injuries.
Prepare your pets – Keep pets indoors with their carriers ready at all times; remember that even cats should be kept indoors during wildfires because they cannot distinguish between safe places from dangerous ones like dogs can.
Pay attention to the weather
When wildfires occur, it’s important to pay attention to the weather. Weather conditions can change quickly and affect the fire behavior, your ability to evacuate, and the availability of firefighting resources. It’s also important because you need smoke to be able to see or smell it in order for you to be aware of a wildfire threat.
Sign up for emergency alerts and warnings
Emergency alerts and warnings are a way for the government to get information out to the public. There are three kinds of alerts:
- Alerts for severe weather or hazards, like tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes
- Alerts that prepare you for an approaching storm, such as a hurricane warning
- Warnings after a natural disaster have already occurred.
You can sign up to receive emergency alerts on your phone or another mobile device to find out if you’re in an evacuation area during a wildfire.
Create a family emergency plan
Create a family emergency plan. A family emergency plan ensures that everyone involved knows what to do if they get separated during an evacuation or other type of disaster. The plan should include contact information for each member of the family, as well as where they will meet if they get separated. Assemble a list of important documents and items that you may need to take with you in case of an emergency, including photo IDs, insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers and passwords (for paying bills online), checkbooks or cash money, copies of birth certificates and social security cards (in case there’s no time for ID), pet vaccination records (if applicable), credit card numbers for getting cash at ATMs, contact information for friends/family outside your area who would be willing to help out with childcare.
Follow evacuation orders
If you are ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Stay tuned to local news and radio stations for updates. If you have time, pack up everything you need in preparation for leaving the area quickly. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas in your car before leaving, as well as a bag with essentials such as food, water, and clothing items (even if it’s only for a day or two).
Call 911 if you see smoke or fire
If you see smoke or fire, call 911. If it’s threatening your home, don’t wait–call 911 immediately! It is not life-threatening, but still important to call 911.
By following these tips, you can be better prepared for wildfires so that you can stay safe.
By following these tips, you can be better prepared for wildfires so that you can stay safe.
We hope that by following these tips, you’ll be better prepared for wildfires. This is an important issue to keep in mind, as they can strike at any time and in any place. If you live in a dry climate or near forestland, it’s crucial that you take precautions against those dangers.