Wildfires are raging through the US west. Here’s how to protect yourself
An explosive wildfire season aided by severe drought is under way in the American west. Blazes have scorched areas ranging from coastal towns to parched forests, from New Mexico to Alaska. The largest fire to hit California this year, the McKinney fire, is raging through the Klamath national forest, already having claimed the lives of four people.
As the climate crisis makes wildfires in the American west more frequent, longer and more intense, preparedness can help residents across the west minimize damage and prevent loss.
Here are steps that can be taken before, during and after wildfires to protect yourself and others, compiled from government guides, fire association websites and weather service advisories.
BEFORE
Be alert, and understand that fires aren’t limited to forests or shrubland
“We’re seeing more extreme fire behavior and conditions that have pushed fires into more urban areas, including cities like Redding and Santa Rosa,” said Lenya N Quinn-Davidson, area fire adviser at University of California Cooperative Extension.
“Anyone who moves into a fireprone area should try to get a sense for the local conditions, community efforts, and become involved if they can,”she added.
Understand the wildfire risks in your area and make sure you’re signed up for emergency alerts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) mobile app is free to download and provides updates in real time from the National Weather Service.
Government agencies also use wireless emergency alerts (WEA) to send warnings and notifications to cellphones in certain areas. Check whether your carrier is enrolled in the service and your mobile phone is set receive such notifications.
Pre-plan your evacuation
Map out your evacuation routes. Chalking out an escape plan, deciding on a dedicated meeting spot in case of separation from friends and family and knowing designated shelter spaces in your neighborhood can save valuable minutes. The American Red Cross has a list of open shelters. Fema also sets up mobile offices, called disaster recovery centers, near or in an affected communities. To find a DRC near you, text DRC and your zip code to 43362. To find nearby open shelters, text SHELTER and your zip code to 43362.
Prepare a go bag containing essentials such as a first-aid kit, enough food and water for several days for each person, personal hygiene products, batteries, portable cellphone chargers, medicines, extra clothing and masks to protect against dust and ash, and emergency cash. Remember to pack and/or back up important documents (insurance, lease agreements, visa forms, passports, etc) on a hard disk or cloud storage for quick access.
Ensure you have fuel in your car during dangerous weather, such as when red flag warnings are issued. This will also help you make a quick getaway when evacuation orders are given.
Prepare your home
“Homeowners should understand that it’s not usually the flaming front of a wildfire that burns down homes – rather, it’s the flaming embers that are lofted through the air,” said Quinn-Davidson.
She advises homeowners to look at their home and envision it being showered with burning embers. Ask: “What would catch embers? What could ignite? How can I make my house more resilient?”
Homeowners in fire-prone areas would also do well to be familiar with home hardening concepts, a series of steps one can take to prevent homes and other structures from burning.
In addition to retrofitting the house with fire-resistant materials, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends creating “defensible spaces” around the house by clearing dried vegetation, removing combustible materials and landscaping to provide fuel breaks near your home.
DURING
Monitor alerts and get ready to evacuate
In the event a wildfire breaks out near you, monitor the emergency system for alerts regarding evacuation orders, and get ready to leave.
Packing your go-bag and any other supplies in your vehicle can save time, even before evacuation orders are given. If such orders are given, follow routes planned with your family and move to the pre-chosen safe space or fire shelter as directed by authorities. If the fire makes it difficult to follow your pre-planned path, use the nearest safe exit routes to reach safe areas.
Wildfires can hinder communication lines. If you see flames and have not yet received evacuation orders, leave immediately as fires can change direction swiftly.
If time permits, turn off utilities such as gas and electrical systems before leaving as these can be compromised in a fire.
If you don’t have to evacuate yet, protect yourself
Keep the doors and windows closed – not locked. This will block smoke from entering the house but allow for an easy exit if there is a need to evacuate.
Moving furniture inside the house away from the doors and windows ensures less fuel for flames should the wall be breached. Shutting off air conditioning ensures there is no intake of outside air and prevents embers from circulating through the vents.
If there is smoke in the area, mask up and use air filtration devices if available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a respirator to prevent smoke inhalation. Fill up tubs, buckets, sinks or any large containers with water, and if there is an outdoor water outlet, plug in a hose – this could help firefighters control the blaze.
Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and full pants, can
help keep you safe from the heat and burns from falling ash.
If you find yourself trapped by the fire, immediately call 911. If you are in a house, move to the point furthest away from the fire and shut off all systems that circulate air through the building, as these can pull in embers from the vents. Turn on all lights so firefighters can find your house.
If you are in a car, lie on the floor of the vehicle, cover yourself with a blanket or jacket, and keep the windows rolled up. If you’re on foot, find a clearing with the least amount of combustible vegetation, a ditch or depression, or shelter behind material that will not burn, such as a rocky outgrowth. Lie face down to protect your airways from the smoke – the air is clearer closer to the ground – and cover yourself with a blanket or jacket if at hand. Call 911 if possible to alert authorities of your location.
AFTER When to return
If you have been evacuated and want to return home, check with the relevant fire authority before doing so.
Surroundings can remain dangerous even after a fire has passed through. Check with authorities if it is safe to leave the place you are sheltering in before stepping outside. Once outside, avoid charred objects, burnt debris and vegetation, as remaining embers could spark a fire. Pay close attention to downed electricity lines. The Red Cross recommends checking with the local health department before consuming water, as wildfires can cause contamination.
If your home has been damaged, assess and document the extent for insurance. Check for gas leaks before entering the home.
Use protective clothing while clearing debris or salvaging items. Gloves, goggles, long socks and pants, and fullsleeved clothing will protect your skin from exposure to residual heat and ash.
Recovering from a disaster can be difficult. Be cognizant of your mental health and watch for warning signs in friends and family. The US Department of Health and Human Services has a 24hour disaster distress helpline that can be reached at 1-800-985-5990.
Useful wildfire monitoring apps for Android and iOS:
Fema’s mobile app
Fire, Weather and Avalanche Center National Weather Forecast Data (iOS only)
The American Red Cross Emergency app