Wild Fire Preparation

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Wild Fire

Towards the end of the summer, Wyoming always run a risk of wildfires. It could be caused by human error, or mother nature. A wildfire is potentially just as dangerous as flooding, and should be taken seriously.

If you’re under a wildfire warning, get to safety right away.

• Leave if told to do so
• If trapped, call 911
• Listen for emergency information and alerts
• Keep NIOSH N95 masks on hand to use to help keep particles out of the air you breathe

If you’re in a high risk area, you should prepare now.

• Sign up for your community warning system
• Have a plan for pets and livestock
• Find different shelter locations
• Gather emergency supplies, including a NIOSH N95 mask. Make sure you have a list of medications and a treatment plan, and don’t forget your pets.
• Close all doors and windows, and set up a portable air filtration machine to keep the pollution levels down in your home.
• Keep important documents in a fireproof container, and stored in a safe place, and make sure you have password-protected digital copies.
• Make sure you know where the outdoor water source is, and hook up a hose that can reach any area of your property.
• Make sure you create a fire-resistant zone free of debris such as leaves, tree branches, or flammable materials for at least 30 feet from any structure.
• Review your insurance coverage, make sure it’s all up to date and you have enough to replace your property if need be.

Survive during a wildfire

• Evacuate immediately if the authorities tell you to.
• If trapped, call 911 and give them your location, and turn on lights to help rescuers can find you
• Use NIOSH N95 masks to protect your respiratory system.
• If you are not forced to evacuate, and the condition keeps getting smokier, stay inside where it’s safer.

The after care

• Check with authorities before going back to your property, and to make sure your water is safe to drink.
• Be cautious walking around and moving things that have been burnt. There could be heat pockets, and you could get burned or start another fire. Also be considerate about your animals walking on anything that has been burned by the fire.
• Make sure you reach out to your family through text or social media. Phone lines may be over loaded because of the disaster.
• Document property damage and take photos. Make a list of anything that was destroyed and call your insurance company.