Wildfire Safety Tips

Our area is currently at high risk for wildfires, and we want you to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you get ready and to help you in case you are affected by wildfires or smoke from a nearby fire.

Getting Ready

•             Pay attention to local news and weather reports.
•             Set aside items that can be used as fire tools such as a rake, hand axe, chainsaw, shovel and buckets. You also need a ladder that will reach your roof and enough garden hose to reach around your house including any outside structures. These can help you deal with small fires until emergency responders arrive.
•            Have working fire extinguishers in your home.
•          Check to see that you have working fire and smoke alarms installed on each level of your home. You may want to replace the batteries in smoke alarms to make sure they are working.
•           Clear away any debris from outside your home. Fire experts recommend creating a safe zone of 30- to 100-feet that is free from flammable materials including vegetation and firewood. Keep your lawn mowed.
•         Store gasoline and other flammable materials in approved safety cans.  Keep these in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
•          Clean any dead leaves and debris from your home’s gutters and roof.
•             Prepare a disaster kit that includes prescription medications, a battery-powered radio and flashlight, extra batteries, sanitation supplies, three gallons of water for each person in your household and a first aid kit that includes burn supplies.
•             Keep important family documents in a waterproof container and make sure it’s kept where you can get it quickly.
•           Have a plan for leaving your home quickly if you are told to evacuate.  Locate and pack essential items and ready to leave should a fire threaten your home.
•             Don’t park or stop your vehicle in an area with tall grass or weeds. Parts of the emissions system and exhaust could easily start a fire.

Health Issues

Wildfires not only threaten homes and buildings. The gases and fine particles in smoke can cause health problems. Smoke can be blown several miles from a fire. Even if you don’t see the smoke, you may breathe in the particles, which can irritate your respiratory system.

Smoke from wildfires may be especially harmful to older adults, children and people with heart or lung problems. Symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, headaches, shortness of breath and headaches. Smoke can worsen asthma and chronic lung disease symptoms such as wheezing or difficulty breathing. Those with heart disease may have chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and fatigue.

Here are some ways you can protect your lungs:

•       Stay indoors as much as possible and have your children play inside. Use your air conditioner with the fresh-air intake off and make sure your filters are clean. Keep doors, windows and fireplace dampers closed.
•            Dust masks that you buy at the hardware store won’t protect against smoke. Only an N95 mask that is correctly fitted and worn will provide some protection against particulates in the air. Anyone with a respiratory condition should ask their doctor whether they should wear this type of mask.
•           People with heart or lung diseases should ask their doctors whether their medications need to be adjusted. Call your doctor or seek immediate medical care if your symptoms worsen.
•           If you must go outside when smoke is in the area, you can temporarily use a wet cloth to cover your mouth and nose to filter out particles in the air.
•           Call your doctor if you develop a persistent cough or painful, difficult breathing. These symptoms may not appear until 24 to 48 hours after smoke exposure.

It’s important for everyone to stay alert during the wildfire danger. If you see smoke or a fire, call 911 immediately. To learn more about getting ready for wildfires, visit http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/.