TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE DURING WILDFIRES
Since wildfires can spread quickly, it’s important to keep up with local developments. For up-to-date information on local fire weather watches, download the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app. This service is provided by the National Weather Service. Acquiring knowledge beforehand will help you avoid wasting time in an emergency evacuation. Please contact us if you need help or have any questions.
Getting your house ready will help reduce wildfire damage. By removing dead vegetation, pruning tree limbs, and keeping your lawn well-watered, you can create a defensible area surrounding your house. Prepare an escape plan and have an emergency kit ready with necessities like food, water, clothes, and crucial documents sealed in waterproof containers.
Ensure that your car is ready for any potential evacuation. Maintain a full gas tank, check the pressure in your tires, and have an emergency pack in your trunk. This consists of emergency lights, flares, jumper cables, maps, flashlights, and blankets. Take photos of your automobile for insurance purposes before you leave, and save important papers to a password-protected online folder.
Some Safety Advice for When You’re Evacuating
If you must travel or flee, make a plan for your journey in advance and use 511 to verify the state of the roads. Give someone else access to your plans and travels, and keep emergency numbers stored on your phone. Try to limit your time outside by keeping windows and doors closed.
Drive carefully from now on. As you drive carefully, keep an eye out for oncoming traffic, emergency personnel, and animals that may be escaping the fire. Visibility might be affected by strong gusts and quickly changing circumstances, so keep your windows closed and use your headlights. Keep your distance from other vehicles, leaving at least eight seconds between them.
Use a N95 mask to protect your face from smoke while driving. Avoid attempting to drive through a wildfire if you come across one. Turn around and take a different route instead. If you have to pull over, park your vehicle far from any trees or shrubs, shut off your air vents, and remain inside until the main fire has passed.
How to Handle a Wildfire That Is Spreading While You’re Driving
Being in the path of a fast-moving wildfire while driving can be extremely dangerous and terrifying. You can improve your chances of staying safe and surviving the ordeal by doing the following:
Remain composed and concentrated; being in a panic might impair your judgment and make it hard to think straight. Breathe deeply and pay attention to your immediate surroundings so that you can respond to the situation appropriately.
Activate your headlights since the smoke from wildfires can significantly hinder your vision. Maintaining your headlights on will improve your visibility and increase the visibility of your car to other drivers.
Listen to emergency broadcasts: Use an emergency broadcasting app on your phone or tune in to your local radio station to be informed about the direction and development of the wildfire.
Observe the guidance given by emergency personnel: Any instructions given by police, firefighters, or other emergency officials should be carefully followed. They will lead you to safety and have the most recent information.
If need be, seek cover in your automobile. If the fire has engulfed you, pull your car into a clean spot far from any vegetation. To protect yourself from the heat, shut off your engine, close all of your windows and vents, and wrap a blanket or garment around yourself. When it’s safe to do so, stay in your car until the fire has passed.
Avoid attempting to escape the fire: Wildfires can spread swiftly, making it unlikely that you will be able to escape them. Instead, search for a cleared area or a wide road where you might find a secure location to hide.
Steer clear of low-lying regions. Because wildfires can produce a lot of heat, these areas may fill with smoke and poisonous gases. When possible, stay up high and steer clear of valleys and ravines.
Keep a safe distance from the fire and any flaming objects you come into contact with. Find a different route or seek refuge in a secure area until the fire has gone if it seems to be obstructing your path.
Following the Wildfire
After the wildfire has been put out, it’s critical to evaluate any damage to your property. For insurance purposes, take pictures or videos to document any problems. Remain alert and keep an eye on local news and updates for details on power outages, road closures, and other wildfire-related concerns. Keep an eye out for potential dangers like fallen power lines and road debris.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the right people if you need help. They are there to support you while you heal.
Vital Contact Details in Case of an Emergency
In the event of a wildfire, it is essential to know who to call.. The number to call if you are stranded on the side of the road or have a disabled car is 1-800-525-5555.
For information on local roads, use 5-1-1 for non-emergency assistance. Call 2-1-1 to reach the State Emergency Assistance Registry for information on local emergencies. Dial 9-1-1 in case of emergency. Contact the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS to request assistance.
It’s crucial to be safe, aware and prepared during wildfire season. It is possible to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during a wildfire by adhering to these recommendations and implementing the appropriate safety measures.
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