Wildfire Safety GuideDuring a Wildfire

AdobeStock_315222767_Previewadobe stockDuring a WildfireOnce a wildfire becomes an immediate threat to your area, there are steps you can take to help ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. Follow evacuation orders and instructions from emergency personnel. At the point where evacuation orders are issued, your emergency essentials kit should be packed, your designated contacts should be established, and you should have a well-rehearsed evacuation route in mind. Now it’s time to evacuate, and the earlier you leave, the better your chances at avoiding the road closures and traffic congestion that can contribute to extra stress. If you’re not feeling well or are injured, seek assistance early in the evacuation process. And unless you’re pulling a livestock trailer with animals, avoid evacuating with trailers or large RVs, which can add to road congestion and be difficult to maneuver in smoky conditions. Keep your car windows up, air conditioning on and don’t forget to inform designated contacts that you’ve arrived safely once you reach your destination. AdobeStock_388327065_Previewadobe stock
Prioritize personal safety: Stay informed about the wildfire's progress and avoid areas of active fire. Stay tuned to your preferred source for emergency alerts and notifications and listen for any evacuation detours or changes in fire behavior . If instructed to evacuate, do so immediately and remember to take the following steps:

Create easy access to your home for firefighters. Unlock and prop open any gates to your property.

Turn on exterior lights for improved visibility.

Turn off any propane gas at the tank and/or natural gas at the meter.

Close HVAC return vents and registers to prevent smoke and debris from entering.

Run through the 5 P’s of evacuation checklist before you evacuate: People, personal needs, papers, prescriptions and priceless items (including pets and pet needs)

what-to-wear-banner-copy2_origUse protective gear if evacuation isn’t possible. Active fires can sometimes catch you by surprise and make evacuation impossible. If you can’t leave your home or are sheltering in place, dress in the right protective gear (image credit: rotarywildfireready.com) to mitigate the dangers of heat, flames and flying embers:

Wear natural fabrics made of 100% cotton or pure wool. Synthetic fabrics can melt in heat and stick to your skin, causing severe burns.

Wear long pants (e.g., denim), long-sleeved shirts that fully cover your neck, and sturdy boots.

Always keep a pair of leather or flame-resistant gloves within reach.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat (or hard hat) to help prevent embers from entering your shirt.

Wear an N-95 mask to prevent smoke inhalation. A handkerchief or bandana may offer some protection if you don’t have a mask.

If you have long hair, tie it up.

Wear protective eyewear to prevent smoke and embers from getting into your eyes.

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Contact emergency services if trapped or in danger. Call 9-1-1 and give your location and a brief description of your situation. Keep in mind, emergency response might be delayed, so try to stay calm knowing help is on the way.

If trapped outside, go to a ditch or an area clear of vegetation and lie face down. If you have a blanket or extra clothing, use it to cover your entire body.

If you’re trapped inside, close all doors, windows, vents and fire screens. Keep the doors unlocked and prop open any gates to allow first responders easy entry. If possible, dampen items around you, including your own clothing, and fill tubs and sinks with water.

If trapped in your car, close all windows and try to park away from vegetation that could fuel the fire. Use a wool blanket or jacket to cover yourself and lay on the floorboard of your car.

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Monitor air quality and health concerns related to smoke exposure. Interactive maps and resources from agencies like AirNow can help you monitor smoke and air quality during wildfires. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, AirNow fire and smoke maps give you visibility into:

Air quality from fine particle pollution

Air quality improvements or declines

Smoke plumes

Fire locations

Smoke forecast outlooks

An Air Quality Index is also available that can help you gauge fluctuating smoke levels throughout the day. To minimize smoke exposure from wildfires, there are a few steps you can take, both inside and outside of your home:Minimize smoke exposure indoors:

Keep doors and windows closed and use high-efficiency air filters to capture fine particles.

Use a portable air cleaner to reduce indoor air pollution, and don’t add to indoor air pollution by frying or broiling meat, smoking, vacuuming, burning candles or using air synthetic air fresheners.

Have a supply of N95 respirators and learn how to use them.

Create a “clean room” with no fireplace and as few windows as possible where you can rest.

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Minimize smoke exposure outdoors:

Avoid strenuous activities such as mowing or jogging.

Keep track of air quality.

Use N95 respirators.

If driving, keep windows up, travel at a slow speed and run the air in recirculate mode.

This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.
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