Where there is smoke, there could be fire! Wildfires can occur anywhere, any time of the year, and destroy homes, businesses, and natural resources. Though the threat of wildfires is greater in the western part of the country, nearly every state has been devastated by wildfires at some time and it is necessary to take precautions to protect your safety and your possessions.
- Reviewing your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to ensure you have the adequate coverage for your property and personal belongings.
- Sign up for your community’s warning systems. NOAA can also provide weather alerts.
- Removing flammable items, such as firewood piles and portable propane tanks, within 30 feet of all structures and discarding any dry or dead vegetation from up to 100 feet around your home.
- Create a fire-resistant zone.
- Gather emergency supplies, including N95 respirator masks, a three day supply of drinking water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, portable weather radio, flashlight, batteries, work gloves, emergency cooking equipment, portable lanterns, clothing, blankets, prescription medications, credit cards, cash and important documents.
- Have an emergency plan lined up. Learning and practicing evacuation routes from your home or business to an area that is not affected by the wildfire. The best action to protect yourself and your family is to evacuate early, and so you can avoid being trapped.
- Use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate or make repairs.
For more information on preparation tips, staying safe during and what to do after a wildfire, check out www.ready.gov/wildfires.
