Wildfire Preparations Tips
Wildfire Preparations Tips You Need to Know
Many people in the United States have been affected or threatened by wildfires. In America, wildfires can occur in most of the 50 states, but are more likely to happen in western states due to weather conditions that provide perfect conditions for the fires to start and spread. According to National Geographic, “On average, more than 100,000 wildfires, also called wildland fires or forest fires, clear 4 million to 5 million acres (1.6 million to 2 million hectares) of land in the U.S. every year. In recent years, wildfires have burned up to 9 million acres (3.6 million hectares) of land. A wildfire moves at speeds of up to 14 miles an hour (23 kilometers an hour), consuming everything—trees, brush, homes, even humans—in its path.”
Having an evacuation plan in place, especially if you live in areas prone to wildfires, prior to a fire starting, can ease a great deal of stress if you are facing this natural disaster. What can you do in advance to prepare?
EVACUATION PLAN:
Know the local evacuation routes for your area in advance. Additionally, make a detailed plan to evacuate your family, especially if members of your family work or attend school any distance from home. Things to consider when making your plan are the ages of any children you have, disabilities of any members of your household, medical equipment or other special medical considerations, dietary needs of family members and your pets.
Where will you go in the event of an evacuation? How will you communicate during a potential evacuation? What is your emergency meet up location in case family members get separated? Knowing the answers to these questions in advance is important and can make an evacuation go smoothly. Sitting down with your entire family to discuss your plan for evacuation is also important. For more detailed information in creating a family evacuation plan for any disaster, visit fema.gov
EVACUATION KIT:
Having an evacuation kit ready to go in advance, can ease stress if a wildfire if threatening your area. Items to include: water, non-perishable food, medications for all family members, baby items such as formula and diapers, pet supplies, cash, a change of clothes for each family member, copies of important papers, personal hygiene items, a flashlight, cell phone boost chargers and a first aid kit.
FIRE PREVENTION:
There are things that homeowners can do well in advance of a wildfire threat to reduce the risk of their home being damaged or destroyed. Getting rid of combustible material directly around your home (between 30 and 100 feet, depending on your location) is one of the first steps. This includes dead trees, firewood and storage tanks, lawn cuttings and other debris. Never connect a wooden fence directly to your home, plant fire resistant shrubbery, maintain your irrigation system, trim any tree limbs that may touch or reach over your home and keep up with basic lawn maintenance year round.
Additionally, clear any debris from your roof and gutters. Check to make sure your roof is made of the least combustible materials possible (and frequently check it for any damage like missing shingles), consider replacing single pane windows with double pane tempered glass, put up fine mesh screens on all windows to help resist the entry of embers, consider replacing wooden fencing or decks with less combustible materials and consider moving playground structures or gazebos further away from your home.
For more detailed information visit: disastersafety.org
HOMEOWNER AND RENTER INSURANCE:
Sometimes, no matter how many steps you take to protect your property, a wildfire can damage or destroy your home. Do you have the insurance coverage you need? Visit www.afi.org today or call 800-255-6792 for a quote on homeowner or renter insurance from a company that has specialized in protecting the property of military families for over 130 years.