5 Essential Actions to Protect Your Family and Home in the Event of a Wildfire
Before flames appear on the horizon, the best way to protect your family is to be prepared.
The wildfires that have devastated the Spokane, Washington area are a reminder that these types of disasters are no longer limited to California or the southwestern United States.
Fueled by drought conditions and strong winds, the fires have burned nearly 16 square miles of land and destroyed more than 700 homes and other structures.
No one can control the weather, but we can help reduce the chances of a wildfire starting and, more importantly, increase our chances of staying safe.
Here are five essential recommendations:
1. Create a Defensible Space Around Your Home
Most homes that survive a wildfire do so because they have a clear space around them that is free of combustible materials.
Remove dry leaves from your roof and gutters, trim low-hanging tree branches, clear away dead shrubs, and keep your grass short. It's also a good idea to move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials away from the walls of your home.
2. Avoid Accidentally Starting a Fire
Never throw cigarette butts out of a car window, avoid building campfires when restrictions are in place, do not use equipment that could create sparks during high-risk days, and always follow local burn bans and outdoor fire restrictions.
3. Prepare a Family Evacuation Plan
When authorities issue an evacuation order, time is often limited.
Everyone in the family should know which route to take, where to meet, and how to communicate if phone service becomes unavailable. Identify at least two evacuation routes and practice them in advance.
Don't forget your pets. If you live in an apartment, ask whether your building has an emergency evacuation plan.
4. Pack an Emergency Go Bag
Prepare an emergency bag ahead of time with medications, important documents, water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, phone chargers, cash, clothing, hygiene items, and enough essential supplies for several days.
If you have important documents such as passports or birth certificates, take photos of them and securely store digital copies in the cloud.
5. Stay Informed and Act Quickly
Sign up for local emergency alert systems and follow the information and instructions provided by emergency officials.
If an evacuation order is issued, don't wait until you can see flames from your window.
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more intense. The good news is that being prepared truly makes a difference.
A well-protected home, an organized family, and a ready-to-go emergency kit can turn a chaotic situation into an orderly evacuation.
The greatest act of heroism isn't fighting the flames—it's making the right decisions ahead of time to protect the people you love.