Hazards

Wildfire Safety Procedures

Before :: During :: After ::

Before

Wildfires can move quickly and change direction without warning. If you see a wildfire, be sure to call 9-1-1- immediately.

Next, evacuate your residence or business as quickly as possible.

If you have time, you can protect your home from a wildfire by:

• Removing combustibles from your home and moving them outside

• Close all of your doors, windows, and blinds

• Shut off the gas in your home; however, remember that only a professional can turn the gas back on

• Fill large containers, bathtubs, etc. with water

• Make sure your car is packed and ready to go. Secure valuables that you cannot live without (important documents) inside the car for quick evacuation

• When preparing to leave your home, leave all of your lights on so your home is visible in smoke and leave your doors unlocked to allow firefighters access if necessary

Source: FEMA

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During

Survival in a Vehicle

• This is dangerous and should only be done in an emergency, but you can survive the firestorm if you stay in your car. It is much less dangerous than trying to run from a fire on foot.
• Roll up windows and close air vents. Drive slowly with headlights on. Watch for other vehicles and pedestrians. Do not drive through heavy smoke.
• If you have to stop, park away from the heaviest trees and brush. Turn headlights on and ignition off. Roll up windows and close air vents.
• Get on the floor and cover up with a blanket or coat.
• Stay in the vehicle until the main fire passes.
• Stay in the car. Do not run! Engine may stall and not restart. Air currents may rock the car. Some smoke and sparks may enter the vehicle. Temperature inside will increase. Metal gas tanks and containers rarely explode.

If You Are Trapped at Home

• Stay calm. As the fire front approaches, go inside the house. You can survive inside. The fire will pass before your house burns down.

If Caught in the Open

• The best temporary shelter is in a sparse fuel area. On a steep mountainside, the back side is safer. Avoid canyons, natural "chimneys" and saddles.
• If a road is nearby, lie face down along the road cut or in the ditch on the uphill side. Cover yourself with anything that will shield you from the fire's heat.
• If hiking in the back country, seek a depression with sparse fuel. Clear fuel away from the area while the fire is approaching and then lie face down in the depression and cover yourself. Stay down until after the fire passes!

Source: FEMA

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After

After a wildfire, it is vital to continue to check your home for burning embers, sparks, or hidden fires. The roof is the best place to check first, as well as the attic. Be sure to put out any of these small burning embers or sparks.

If your home is on fire, dial 9-1-1.

Continue to check your home for several hours for the burning embers and sparks to avoid being caught off-guard.

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