In recent weeks and nearly every year we hear of the devastating affect of wildfires on both communities and the environment. There are areas in the country, which are more prone to these fires, but no area is immune. All it takes is a lack of rain in a normally wet area, and you have the fuel necessary to start a wildfire. Here are some tips on what to do to prepare for this occurrence.
1) You should have an emergency kit available. This is particularly important if you are requested to evacuate your area. If you are requested to evacuate comply immediately. Your safety and your family’s safety are much more important than any possession you may be trying to save.
2) You should plan several evacuation routes from a fire. This is especially important if you are not given notice that the fire is coming your way, and find that you need to suddenly evacuate. My family was in Yellowstone during the fires. We left before they evacuated the park, but the smoke did obscure the vision on the road, and the fires were miles from where we were. Be prepared to drive in hazardous conditions.
3) If you are building in an area prone to wildfires, there are things, which you can do to protect the structure of your home. This includes building in a clearing away from the brush, and using fire resistant materials to build your home. You can learn more about that here.
4) You will want to store your important documents in a fire safe box or off site at a bank in a safe deposit box. If you have time you can grab your safe and take it with you. You can also store copies of your photos on CDs in your safe deposit box.
5) You will want to make sure that your home insurance policy will cover wildfires. This is a simple step that will help you begin to put your life back together.
You will also want to practice safe fire practices and teach them to your children. It is important to follow the burning restrictions for your area. It is much better to prevent a fire than to have deal with one.