How to Prepare for a Wildfire
Every year we learn from wildfire survivors they wish they were more prepared because they only had minutes or just seconds to collect themselves and flee. If we learn anything from wildfire survivors, it should be that everyone needs to be prepared and ready to evacuate in case of a wildfire.
Wildfire Prevention Tips for You and Your Family
Optimally, you want to prepare before wildfire season begins so you and your family are prepared to leave when an official evacuation warning has been issued or if you feel increasingly unsafe before a warning has been issued. It is equally important to note that if an evacuation order has been issued, that is not the time to try to shield your home or begin preparing to leave. You must leave immediately; do not delay and put your safety and life at risk to gather documents, valuables, or other possessions. In order to be as prepared as possible, here is what we would include in our wildfire prevention checklist:
- Ensure teenage and adult family members are signed up for the emergency alert system (i.e., Nixle)
- Check all smoke alarms are working properly now
- When a wildfire is passing through a neighborhood at night, electricity will likely be shut off and it will be dark, so keep a flashlight by your bedside
- Digitize important documents, even if it is just a photo, and store them on your phone and on a cloud service such as Google Drive
- If you place perishable food in your emergency kit, check the expiration dates and replenish as needed
- Create emergency kits (including food and water) for any livestock and pets on your property
- Create a 30-foot defensive zone free of vegetation and any combustible materials and keep your grass and weeds mowed during wildfire season
In addition to these six wildfire preparation tips, the two main components of your evacuation plan are (1) having an emergency response plan, and (2) ensuring that each family member is equipped with an emergency kit.
What Should Your Emergency Wildfire Preparation Response Plan Include?
An emergency response plan should outline your property exit strategy, designated emergency contacts, and any other important logistics in case of wildfire. The basics of an emergency response plan include:
- Designating where the emergency kits will live and who is responsible for getting them
- Knowing at least two exit routes from your house in case one path is blocked by fire, but if emergency personnel are on the scene, follow their directions
- Learning how to manually open your garage door if you have a garage
- Designating an out-of-town contact who can help relay messages back and forth (Note:Dialing out of the local area codes is more likely to connect successfully during an emergency)
- Having a designated neighborhood and an out-of-neighborhood meeting place in case you are not allowed to enter your neighborhood
- Knowing which evacuation centers accept animals and have their trailer/carrier setup if you have livestock and/or pets
For the future, commit to practicing your emergency exit route at least once a year and ensuring all family members know the plan. Laying out your emergency evacuation plan ahead of time will help you and your family be extra prepared in case disaster strikes.
What Should Your Wildfire Preparation Emergency Kit Include?
In addition to your evacuation plan, it’s important to prepare emergency kits for each of your family members – humans and animals alike! The basics of a wildfire emergency kit include:
- Three-day supply of non-perishable foods that can be emergency rations or several protein/granola bars
- At least three gallons of water (8-16 fl. oz water bottles) for drinking and sanitation
- A change of clothing (or at least underwear!)
- Extra glasses and/or contact lenses
- Flashlights with extra batteries or at least two glow sticks or flares
- Travel first aid kit with basic medical supplies (band aids, ointment, etc.)
- Protective goggles and masks
- Phone charging wire and portable, charged battery
- Any necessary prescription medicine(Note: if you have the ability, contact your doctor for an emergency only three-day supply)
Prepare You and Your Family for a Wildfire
Being prepared, informed, and aware of ongoing wildfires in your area is the difference between life and death. There are many thorough resources available through Fema and CalFire about how to prepare for a wildfire and how to survive if you are caught in the path of a wildfire.
At Dry Kings Restoration, we hope everyone remains as safe as possible during the ongoing wildfire season and takes the appropriate measures to prepare themselves. If you are unfortunately the victim of a wildfire and need fire damage restoration and/or smoke and odor removal services, do not hesitate to contact us. We are ready to make you our priority so you can return home.