How to Stay Safe and Prepared During Wildfires

Wildfires have increased in recent decades and are expected to continue as climate change progresses. As a result, the health impacts of wildfire smoke are likely to grow in the near future. Wildfires can be dangerous, but we can take steps to prepare and handle them safely. Being prepared for a wildfire can save your life and property. In this guide, we will walk through different steps to manage wildfires, including safety measures, symptoms of smoke inhalation, and evacuation procedures. Keep reading to learn more.

Preparing for a wildfire

If you live in a state where wildfires are common, knowing how to stay safe is important. According to the statistics, these states include California, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Washington, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming. However, states like Florida, Georgia, Kansas, and North Carolina also face wildfire risks.

Following are some steps to prepare for a wildfire.

Creating a fire emergency plan

Wildfire safety is ensured through emergency planning. Make sure your plan includes an evacuation strategy that considers your pets as well. Locate some local animal shelters, boarding facilities, and friends and family who might be able to accommodate your pets.

Assembling an emergency kit

Set up your emergency supply kit well before a wildfire or any disaster actually occurs. Also, ensure it is easy to reach so that you can evacuate fast and be ready when you need to spend some time out of the home.

Make sure your emergency kit involves a bag with all the following essentials:

• Enough non-perishable food and water for at least three days
• Avoid perishable food and heavy items
• A map with at least two ways to evacuate
• Pet food and water
• Any needed prescriptions or medications
• Safety masks to protect against smoke inhalation
• A change of clothes and extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Extra car keys, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
• A first aid kit and sanitation supplies
• A flashlight and radio with extra batteries
• Copies of important documents (like birth certificates and passports)

Also, keep sturdy shoes and a flashlight near your bed for quick access during nighttime evacuations.

Preparing your home

It has been recorded that houses can ignite from the condition of the house and everything around it. The statistics also predict that extreme wildfires will increase by 14% by 2030 and 30% by 2050. With the ongoing climate crisis, wildfires are becoming a bigger and more unpredictable danger to both the environment and people.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare your home for protection against wildfires.

• Clear debris. Clear leaves and debris from gutters and decks to stop embers from starting a fire.
• Remove dead plants. Remove dead plants and stuff from under decks and within 10 feet of your house.
• Cover deck areas. Use wire mesh to cover areas under patios and decks.
• Keep flammables away. Keep firewood and propane tanks minimum 30 feet away from your home.
• Trim leaves. Trim trees so the lowest branches are 6–10 feet above the ground.
• Dispose of debris. Throw away debris and lawn clippings right away.
• Repair the roof. Fix loose or missing roof shingles.
• Cover vents. Cover vents with metal mesh no bigger than 1/8 inch.

During a wildfire

If you are trapped in a wildfire, a respirator mask can help filter dangerous particles in the air. If there is smoke but you're not allowed to leave, stay inside or go to a community building with low smoke levels. Choose a room in your home that you can close off from outside air.

Also, important documents should be stored in a fireproof safe to protect them. Check your insurance policy to ensure it covers enough to replace any damaged or destroyed parts of your property.

Smoke inhalation symptoms

Smoke inhalation happens when you inhale the smoke produced by a fire. This smoke comes from burning materials, which is when heat quickly breaks down a substance. Smoke from wildfires can irritate your eyes, nose, and breathing system.

Symptoms of smoke inhalation include cough, headaches, dizziness, trouble breathing, and a burning feeling in the nose and throat.

Long-term inhalation of wildfire smoke can affect your brain and lead to serious health issues like heart and lung disease. It can also make asthma issues worse. As people with this condition already have trouble breathing, it can worsen symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing and may trigger an asthma attack.

It can raise blood pressure and cause chest tightness for those with cardiovascular issues. Depending on the amount and duration of smoke exposure, it may also increase the risk of a heart attack. Seek medical help immediately when having these symptoms.

Protecting yourself from smoke

According to the California Air Resources Board, staying inside with your windows and doors closed can help you avoid breathing harmful smoke. If you have a central air conditioning system, keep it running on the “on” mode, not “auto,” to filter the air constantly. Avoid fresh air intake and use high-efficiency filters (MERV 13 or higher). Also, use an air cleaner to help lower indoor smoke levels.

Avoid using swamp coolers, whole house fans, or activities that add more pollution inside, like burning candles, using gas stoves, or vacuuming.

Also, when evacuating from wildfires, remember to:

• Stay in your car with the windows and doors closed to avoid smoke exposure.
• Use the air conditioning with the Recirculate option turned on.
• Wear an N95 mask in your car and at shelters.
• Move to an area with cleaner air if possible.
  

After the wildfire

Returning home after a wildfire can be an emotional experience, but it's important to keep a few wildfire safety tips in mind.

1. Return home only when officials declare it safe.
2. Check your property for damage and avoid touching any hot spots.
3. Wear masks and gloves to protect yourself from ash.
4. Clean up ash and debris, and make sure utilities are safe before turning them on.
5. Watch for health issues from smoke and ash, and see a doctor if needed.
6. Get help from community resources to support your recovery.

Resources and support

Here are a few of the resources and support systems available to the public within the U.S. affected by wildfires:

• U.S. Forest Service. They have a Confronting the Wildfire Crisis plan that includes significant investments for mitigating wildfire risk and protecting communities.
• FEMA. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides resources and support for states dealing with wildfires by coordinating with the National Interagency Fire Center to aid firefighting.
• American Red Cross. The American Red Cross helps find open shelters during wildfire crises and provides food, water, and financial assistance to those affected.
• Recovery & Rebuilding. The Wildfire Risk to Communities program offers resources on recovery after a fire has passed, developing plans that protect people, homes, and infrastructure.
• Outreach Materials. U.S. Fire Administration products can help your community prepare for and reduce the risks of wildfires.

Final word

To stay safe during a wildfire requires preparation, awareness, and quick action. Much of your risk can be significantly decreased by having an emergency plan in place, keeping flammable materials away from your home and property, and staying informed on evacuation orders. If there is a wildfire in your area, stay inside, close all windows and doors, run air filtration systems, and have a properly stocked emergency kit to help keep you safe from smoke and other dangers. A portable air cleaner can help reduce indoor smoke levels during a wildfire.

Always stick to the official guidance, and above all, keep yourself and your loved ones safe.