Wildfires can ruin homes and cause injuries or death to people and animals. A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, grassland or prairie. Wildfires can:
Often be caused by humans or lightning.
Cause flooding or disrupt transportation, gas, power and communications.
Happen anywhere, anytime. Risk increases within periods of little rain and high winds.
Cost governments billions of dollars each year.
If you are under a wildfire warning, get to safety right away
Leave if told to do so.
If trapped, call your local emergency number.
Listen for emergency information and alerts.
Use N95 masks to keep particles out of the air you breathe.
How to stay safe when a wildfire threatens
Prepare NOW
If available in your area, sign up for your community’s warning system and emergency alerts.
Know your community’s evacuation plans and find several ways to leave the area. Drive the evacuation routes and find shelter locations. Have a plan for pets and livestock.
Gather emergency supplies, including N95 respirator masks that filter out particles in the air you breathe. Remember each person’s needs, especially young children and the elderly, and include an updated asthma action plan and medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
Designate a room that can be closed off from outside air. Close all doors and windows. Set up a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low in smoky conditions.
Keep essential documents in a fireproof, safe place. Create password-protected digital copies.
Use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate or make repairs.
Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach your property.
Create a fire-resistant zone free of leaves, debris or flammable materials at least 30 feet from your home.
Review insurance coverage to ensure it is enough to replace your property.
Pay attention to air quality alerts.
Survive DURING
Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so.
If trapped, call your local emergency number and give your location, but be aware that response could be delayed or impossible depending on situations and how fast they change. Turn on lights to help rescuers find you.
Listen to local alerting systems for emergency information and instructions.
Use N95 masks to keep harmful particles out of the air you breathe.
If you are not ordered to evacuate, but smoky conditions exist, stay inside in a safe location or go to a community building where smoke levels are lower.
Be safe AFTER
Listen to authorities to determine when it is safe to return and whether water is safe to drink.
Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire. Consider the danger to pets and livestock.
Send text messages or use social media to contact family and friends. Phone systems are often busy following a disaster. Make calls only in emergencies.
Wear a respirator dust mask and wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.
Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.
Wildfires dramatically change landscape and ground conditions, which can lead to an increased risk of flooding due to heavy rains, flash flooding and mudflows. Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored–up to five years after a wildfire.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
