A home fire is one of the scariest things you can be involved with, especially if you’re a parent and need to locate your children — and maybe even pets — to get everyone out safely. Having a plan before a fire ever starts is the best way to be prepared for a home fire. For those in wildfire regions, an evacuation plan is needed to get out and leave quickly if a wildfire is threatening your home.
Add these 10 tips to your home fire safety checklist:
Home fire preparedness: Maintenance for fire safety|Home fire preparedness: Maintenance for fire safety
Wildfire threats and evacuation
Recent wildfires in California have consumed more than 9,200 structures. The threat of wildfires is real and can impact entire communities. Being prepared could mean the difference between life and death.
7. Have an evacuation bag packed
Have an emergency bag packed and ready to go if you need to evacuate quickly. Inside the bag should be emergency food and water, a first aid kit, face masks, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries. It should also have some cash in small bills, emergency phone numbers, and a copy of important documents such as the house deed and insurance details. Realize that because of COVID-19, evacuation shelters may have added restrictions and guidelines.
8. Establish a safe meeting location
Wildfires can happen at any time, day or night. This means members of the household may be at work or school if an evacuation is ordered. Just like an isolated home fire has a meeting spot outside the home, your family should have a central place to meet in the community that is safely out of harm’s way. Realize that cell phones may be unreliable in times of natural disasters; try communicating via text or notifying friends and family via platforms such as Facebook where they can see if you mark yourself safe from the fire.
9. Be prepared to evacuate animals quickly
Have a central place where you keep your pets’ leashes and carriers. If it isn’t safe for you to remain at your home, it isn’t safe for your cats, dogs, and other pets. Be prepared to quickly gather them and put them in the car to leave. Your evacuation bag should have vet contact information as well as extra food and water for your animals.
10. Utilize technology to keep you informed
Apps such as Ready for Wildfire help you know where fires are, get push alerts based on your location with critical lifesaving updates, and locate shelters if needed. The American Red Cross also has an Emergency app that helps you track various emergency scenarios including wildfire progress. It will help you prepare, find a shelter, or get aid where needed.
