Wildfire incidents are becoming more and more common these days due to the rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. A wildfire, which is also known as a bush, vegetation, or forest fire, can occur without any warning. From a single burning matchstick to a lightning bolt during a thunderstorm, anything can trigger a forest fire disaster that may last for days or even months — as recorded in some cases — destroying everything that comes in its way.
So, if you are also a resident of a wildfire-prone region, then this article is meant for you. Here we are going to share with you some of the most useful wildfire safety tips that will tell you what you should do before, during, and after the disaster to stay unharmed.
How to Prepare for a Wildfire
- The very first thing you need to do while preparing for a wildfire is to prepare an emergency as well as an evacuation plan. It can potentially save your life, helping you to escape in time.
- Have your emergency kit ready. You can also take items from the first-aid kit in your home in case someone gets hurt. Make sure your wildfire emergency kit has all the necessary food and medical supplies.
- If you live in an area that is susceptible to wildfires, it becomes very important for you to have regular fire drills with all your household members. It is to prepare them to react and take necessary actions in the worst-case scenario. It is one of the most useful tips to prepare for a wildfire.
- Make sure to check the local news every now and then. It is important to keep track of any news updates that may be about possible fire outbreaks in the vicinity of your neighborhood.
- Make it a habit to clear out all flammable vegetation like fallen leaves, dead limbs and pieces of wood from your property on a regular basis. It is a very important thing you should do while preparing for a wildfire.
- Trim all the trees surrounding your home properly. Make sure there are no branches extending over the roof of your house. This is how you can prevent your abode from catching flames.
- Call the emergency helpline, 911, to report a wildfire, so it can be contained before it picks up the pace and causes widespread damage to people and their properties.
- Make sure you are aware of the routes that you can use while working on your evacuation plan if a disaster strikes. It is better to keep yourself prepared in every way to protect yourself or your property from any potential damage as much as possible.
Wildfire Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe During a Wildfire
- What if you get caught in a forest fire disaster? First of all, don’t panic. Instead, gather yourself. You should be thinking straight if you want to protect yourself and others around you.
- Keep listening to the news alert if you have a radio or a mobile device from where you can watch or listen to live news updates. Use the provided information to learn about the intensity of the fire and how to escape from the affected area using the best routes.
- One of the best wildfire safety tips is to cover yourself with protective gear or clothing.
- If you find yourself trapped inside your house, make sure that you have properly sealed it by closing all the doors and windows. It is important to stop flammable particles and smoke from getting inside your home.
- Find shelter in the basement or any underground floor that doesn’t contain any harmful fumes. Also, keep your pets with you if you have found a safe place to survive the disaster unharmed.
- If you’re continuously breathing in an environment that is filled with harmful particles of smoke, it may lead to chronic health conditions such as lung congestion, suffocation and many other types of problems related to breathing. This makes it important for you to limit your exposure to airborne smoke and dust particles by covering your mouth and nose with a mask or a damp cloth. This lifesaving technique is among the necessary safety precautions you should take during a wildfire.
- In case you’re on the road during the bushfire, trying to make your way out of the affected area, always carry a well-equipped car emergency kit and be ready to face any kind of unfavorable circumstances because you never know what lies ahead on the road. It could be anything: dead trees, animals and other types of debris blocking traffic on the road. Again, it is advised not to panic and rush your decisions. Instead, stay in your car if you have parked it somewhere safe and wait for help.
Wildfire Safety Precautions: What to Do Once the Calamity is Over?
- The wildfire disaster may be over but not the fire hazards. If you want to return home, listen to the local news update. They would probably have the latest information about your area. Return to your place only if you are sure that it is completely safe, otherwise wait a few more days and stay wherever you have taken shelter to keep yourself and your family members protected.
- Upon your return, check for the potential hotspots on the ground where fire may still be burning beneath the surface. Avoid stepping or even driving on them.
- Don’t take a walk at all, it wouldn’t be safe. Instead, try to travel by car, even if you have to visit your nearest market, which is within the walking distance of your home.
- Try to get in touch with your neighbors to find out what safety measures they are taking post-wildfire disaster. Check if someone needs help or medical aid. If so, call 911 immediately and make sure to stay with that person until the help arrives. If there’s fire, use a fire extinguisher (if available) or a water hose to contain it.
- One of the most important wildfire safety tips after the calamity is over is to thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your house. This is to be sure that the fire hazards are no longer a threat. After completely checking your house, start with the renovation and repairs to bring your home back in shape, if it has been damaged during the bush fire.
Now that we have discussed all the important wildfire safety tips and what to do before, during, and after this natural disaster to stay unharmed, it’s time for us to wrap up. If you found this article informative, share it with your friends and family.
