How to Prepare for a Wildfire
Wildfire Preparedness
Wildfires are becoming more frequent, and affecting areas that previously wouldn’t have expected them. They’re wilder than ever! Being prepared can lower your family’s risk of injury, death, or loss of property if a wildfire finds you.
Wildfire Facts
In 2020, over 10.3 million acres burned from almost 60,000 wildfires in the U.S. alone.
Up to 90% of wildfires in the U.S. are caused by humans in June, July, and August.
Causes of man-made wildfires include (but are not limited to) cigarettes, unattended campfires, playing with matches, and explosives intended to reveal the gender of an unborn child.
Wildfires can travel as fast as 12.5 miles per hour, so you better get out of the way!
How to Prepare for a Wildfire
- Create a wildfire preparedness kit or purchase a prepackaged evacuation kit. Either way, make sure to maintain it.
- Make an emergency communication plan to keep contact and reunite if you get separated.
- Include multiple evacuation routes in your disaster plan to account for roads that will be blocked by fire.
- Evacuate immediately when instructed to do so. Never stay put if you are told to evacuate due to wildfire.
- Clear a 30′ fire break around your house by removing flammable objects (dead leaves, wood, etc). If you have neighbors within 30′, talk to them about their wildfire plans.
- Get a hose that can reach all areas of your property outdoors. Soaking your roof and yard before you are told to evacuate will make your home slightly more resistant to falling embers.
- Hold regular wildfire drills involving the whole family, including your pets!
Check Your Yard
- Steeper slopes burn faster. If you have a hill near your home, reduce the number of plants on it, and keep it clear of flammable debris like dead leaves.
- Research the Wildland Urban Interface in your area. People in Interface and Intermix areas are at greater risk.
Check Your Risk By State
The top five states most at-risk for wildfires:
- California – 2,054,900 properties at risk
- Texas – 717,800 properties at risk
- Colorado – 373,900 properties at risk
- Arizona – 242,200 properties at risk
- Idaho – 175,000 properties at risk
Don’t Waste Time
If you’re aware of a wildfire in the area, preemptively prepare your Go Bag in case you are evacuated. Speed is key to survival in a wildfire.
Don’t Breathe Smoke
Smoke inhalation is a killer. If you shelter at home near a fire, seal your vents/gaps, turn off HVAC, run purifiers, and wear masks indoors.
Don’t Explode
Turn off and disconnect fuel lines if you have time before you evacuate. Propane, natural gas, or fuel oil sources could cause explosions and fuel the flames.