Wildfire Preparedness

1. Wildfire Preparedness

2. Wildfires are common disasters that can spread quickly, especially during dry conditions. More than 100,000 wildfires clear 4-5 million acres of land in the US every year. Wildfires can damage natural resources, destroy homes, and threaten the safety of the public and the firefighters who protect forests and communities.

3. Wildfires can be caused by: • Natural sources, such as lightning • Humans, either accidentally or intentionally

4. Natural wildfires typically happen during droughts when lightning strikes dry grass or brush and it ignites. Human-caused wildfires can be caused by campfires, fireworks, yard waste burning, cigarettes, vehicles, and more.

5. Some ways that you can prevent wildfires include: • Properly extinguish campfires • Check area wildfire alerts to make sure conditions are safe for an open flame • Do not make excessively large fires • Do not use fireworks illegally • Make sure to never burn yard waste in high wind • Always dispose of cigarettes properly

6. The amount of damage done by wildfires can depend on the: • Size of the fire • Landscape • Amount of fuel (trees and structures) in the path of the fire • Wind direction and intensity

7. Wildfires increase the potential for flooding, mudslides, and landslides. Smoke from wildfires can cause health problems for people in nearby areas.

8. Being aware of the potential hazards associated with wildfires and creating a plan for how to handle one in advance can help protect you from the destructive effects of wildfires at work and at home. If a wildfire happens while you are at work, follow your company’s emergency response procedures.

9. When a wildfire threatens your area, the best action you can take is to evacuate early to avoid being trapped. Monitor your local news radio and TV station weather reports for information about weather conditions or other emergency events so you know when to take action.

10. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues notices when weather conditions, such as strong wind, low humidity, and high temperatures, make wildfires more likely: • Fire Weather Watch – means potentially dangerous fire weather conditions are possible over the next 12-72 hours • Fire Weather/Red Flag Warning – means fire danger exists and weather patterns that support wildfires are either occurring or are expected to occur within 24 hours

11. If danger is imminent, local authorities may issue an Evacuation Notice to alert residents that a fire is nearby and it is important to leave the area. If authorities advise or order you to evacuate, do so immediately.

12. There are several precautions you can take to prepare your home if you need to evacuate quickly: • Turn on lights outside and in every room to make your house more visible in heavy smoke • Close all windows, vents, doors, and fireplace screens • Disconnect automatic garage door openers so doors can be opened by hand if you lose power

13. Additional precautions include: • Move flammable furniture, including outdoor furniture, into the center of your home away from windows and sliding glass doors; remove flammable curtains and window treatments • Fill garbage cans, tubs, and other large containers with water • Shut off natural gas from the source and move propane or fuel oil supplies away from the house

14. When you are evacuating, drive safely. Safe driving tips include: • Roll up windows and close air vents because smoke from a fire can irritate your eyes and respiratory system • Drive slowly with your headlights on because smoke can reduce visibility • Watch out for other vehicles, pedestrians, and fleeing animals • Avoid driving through heavy smoke, if possible

15. If you are not ordered to evacuate but smoky conditions exist, stay inside in a safe location or go to a building where smoke levels are lower.

16. Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other materials. Smoke can: • Hurt your eyes • Irritate your respiratory system • Worsen chronic heart and lung disease

17. Breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects, including: • Coughing • Trouble breathing normally • Stinging eyes • A scratchy throat • Runny nose • Irritated sinuses

18. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution, such as candles, fireplaces, and gas stoves. Do not vacuum because that can stir up particles that are already inside your home.

19. Wearing a dust mask can offer you some protection from breathing in smoke. However, dust masks commonly found at hardware stores do not offer enough protection. A properly worn N95 respirator dust mask will offer a greater amount of protection.

20. After a wildfire, listen to authorities on when it is safe to return and when water is safe to drink. Use caution when entering burned areas. Hazards may still exist, including hot spots that can ignite or trees that can fall without warning.

21. Wildfires are serious disasters that can happen anytime, anywhere. Having an evacuation plan in place before a wildfire threatens your home or work can keep you safe during one.