If you and your family live in an area vulnerable to wildfires, make sure you take measures now to prepare to keep you and your family safe.  The first step in this is to know your risk. While wildfires can occur in all 50 states, they are most common in the western part of the United States. California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming experience some of the worst wildfires due to drought and high temperatures.  Santa Ana winds in California only exacerbate the situation.

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• You, your family and pets should always evacuate when told to do so

by law enforcement.  Have a to-go disaster kit ready to take with you.

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• Ensure that your property is well-marked with an easy-to-see house

number on the home and/or mailbox. This makes it easier for first

responders to find your home.

 

TIPS TO PREVENT THE START & SPREAD OF WILDFIRES

 

• Never dispose of a cigarette by littering.  Something as small as a 

carelessly discarded cigarette can start a fire.

• Keep your automobile well-maintained.  Sometimes a simple spark

from an automobile can start a fire.

• Always properly extinguish campfires and bonfires. 

• Make sure you clear brush from your property and keep vegetation

at least 100 feet from your home.  If vegetation is closer than that, ensure

the trees and shrubs are healthy, spaced apart and not hanging over the

house.

• Mow your lawn regularly and water wisely.

• Do not attach a fence directly to your home.

• Know how to turn off your utilities

• Keep combustible materials such as playground equipment at least 30 feet from your home.

• Keep the area beneath decks, sheds and boats, etc. free of leaf litter.

• Avoid burning yard waste in windy conditions and follow your town’s ordinances.

• Ensure that there is at least 30 feet of open area between your home and the woods.

• Clean gutters to free them of leaves and debris.

• Ensure your roof is non-flammable.

• If a wildfire is burning in the vicinity and you have not yet been told to evacuate, consider spraying your home with a fire retardant.

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If a planned power outage is scheduled in your area, make sure you have everything you need to keep you and your family safe – especially if you or a family member depends on electricity for survival.

 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A POWER OUTAGE

 

• Stay aware of the weather situation.  Sign up for updates via phone, text, email and/or social media.

• Take an inventory of the items that you need that rely on electricity.

• Plan for any medical needs – like power-dependent medical devices or medications that need to be refrigerated.

• Have a disaster kit in your safe room (and your vehicle) for every member in your family. At the minimum, this includes at least one gallon of water per person for at least three days, non-perishable food, a NOAA weather radio, flashlights/batteries, first aid kit, hygiene products and cash in single dollar bills.  Include items for special needs family members, seniors, children and pets.

• Disconnect appliances, electronics and other power equipment to prevent electrical surges when power is restored.

• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a portable generator or grill indoors.

• For peace of mind and no power interruption, consider purchasing a home standby generator.  A home standby generator will automatically restore your power the moment it goes off.

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For health safety tips regarding wildfire smoke, click here to visit the AIR QUALITY preparedness page.

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