Regularly on the news, I hear reports of Wildfires throughout the country. Many of these hit the news because these fires were particularly devastating to lives and property. Each year, thousands of wildfires happen around the country and many are reported in the media. But, the threat remains present. While the majority of wildfires happen in the western United States, they can happen anywhere and it is always best to be prepared.
In order to prepare yourself and family for the possibility of wildfires, here are some steps to follow.
1. Have a plan. Having a plan doesn’t necessarily means that you are constantly looking over your shoulder at the terrified possibility of disaster. Having a plan simply means that you have thought through and communicate with your family what to do in the case of a disaster. So, make a plane today.
2. Keep brush and leaves cleaned off of leafs and trigs. Many families choose to live near the woods or a tree line. This is a great idea; the trees provide privacy, shade, and an appealing landscape. But, be sure to pay attention to he leaves that fall during the autumn and pile up—these piles of leaves pose a fire threat, as they can catch fire easily of provide fuel if a fire is nearby. Simply make sure these area are raked out and clean.
3. Evacuate when notified. Many times when the unbelievable happens the first thing to do is to stay put and “defend” the home. But, by staying in the home, you may be losing critical time needed to get to safety. You may also clog the roads where the fire crews need to get into the area with the necessary tools to truly defend your home. So, make sure that you listen to the fire crews and evacuate when asked.
Wildfires can present a scary danger to both lives and property, but by following these steps you will be on your way to keeping yourself and your family safe.
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This blog post is written as a part of my partnership with the National Weather Service “Weather Ready Nation Ambassador” program.