WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS
Wildfires can quickly become life-threatening and cause serious hazards with dire consequences. Learn what to do to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Before a Wildfire…
Protect Your Family
Make sure you have access to a local radio news station or an emergency service channel in your local area:
- Search for an application (app) for the local radio station and/or emergency service channel in the Apple Store or on Google Play
- Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NOAA Radio)
Be prepared to evacuate quickly. Locate a local emergency shelter ahead of time and know your routes and safe destinations. Set that emergency shelter as the family meeting place. Pack a to-go bag which should include:
- medications and cash
- extra clothing – in case you have to evacuate
- flashlights, cell phones, portable chargers and radios plus extra batteries
- a first aid kit
- bottled water
Protect Your Home
- Enroll in wildfire protection service offered by your insurance carrier.
- Store outdoor equipment and patio furniture to prevent an ember from catching and spreading the fire.
- Reduce fuel around your home such as a woodpile, undergrowth or grass welcome mats.
- Close structure entryways, garage doors and windows.
- Clean gutters and roofs of debris.
- Install a water tank, pumps or sprinkler systems for use in the event of a wildfire.
- Turn off utilities – if told to do so by authorities – to prevent damage to your home or within the community. Note, all gas shut/turned off must be turned back on by a professional.
- Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box – you may need quick, easy access to these documents.
- Take a few minutes to document the contents of your home with digital pictures or video and create a room by room inventory list.
During a Wildfire…
- Listen to local area radio, NOAA Radio or television stations for the latest information and updates.
- Never go back to an impacted area. Winds and fire are extremely unpredictable and may cut off all escape routes.
After a Wildfire…
Follow Safety Guidelines after the Wildfire has been contained
- Only return to your residence when authorities say it is safe to do so.
- Continue listening to local news or NOAA Radio for updated information and instructions.
Safety Precautions At Home
- Keep away from loose or dangling power lines. Report them to the power company immediately.
- Inspect your home’s structure, utilities and systems after a wildfire:
- Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and their contents, for insurance purposes.