Be Prepared for a Wildfire

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

BE PREPARED FOR A WILDFIRE Wildfires can ruin homes and cause injuries or death to people and animals. FEMA V-1013/ May 2018 A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, Often caused by Can cause flooding or Can damage your Can happen anywhere, grassland, or humans or lightning. create problems with property. Set up anytime. Risk increases prairie. transportation, gas, defense zones to with little rain and high power, and protect your home. winds. communications. IF YOU ARE UNDER A WILDFIRE WARNING, GET TO SAFETY RIGHT AWAY Listen for emergency Leave if told to do so. information and alerts. Use an N95 mask to keep If trapped, call 911. particles out of the air you breathe. HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A WILDFIRE THREATENS Prepare Survive Be Safe NOW DURING AFTER Sign up for your community’s Evacuate. Leave immediately if Listen to authorities to find out if it warning system. The Emergency authorities tell you to do so. is safe to return and whether water is Alert System (EAS) and National safe to drink. Oceanic and Atmospheric If trapped, call 911 and give Administration (NOAA) Weather your location, but be aware that Avoid hot ash, charred trees, Radio also provide emergency alerts. emergency response could be smoldering debris, and live embers. delayed or impossible. Turn on lights The ground may contain heat pockets Know your community’s evacuation to help people find you. that can burn you or spark another routes and find several ways to leave fire. Consider the danger to pets the area. Drive the evacuation routes Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather and livestock walking the ground. and find shelter locations. Have a plan Radio, or local alerting systems for pets and livestock. for current emergency information Send text messages or use social and instructions. media to reach out to family and Gather emergency supplies, friends. Phone systems are often busy including N95 respirator masks Use an N95 mask to keep particles following a disaster. Make calls only in that filter out particles in the air you out of the air you breathe. emergencies. breathe. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Document property damage with Don’t forget the needs of pets. photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company Keep important documents in for assistance. a fireproof safe. Create password- protected digital copies. Use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate, or make repairs. Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property. Take an Active Role Create a fire-resistant zone that is in Your Safety free of leaves, debris, or flammable materials for at least 30 feet from Go to Ready.gov and search your home. for wildfire. Download the FEMA app to get Review insurance coverage to more information about make sure it is enough to replace preparing for a wildfire. your property. FEMA V-1013 Catalog No. 17233-14.

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Module III – Fire Analysis Fire Fundamentals: Definitions
Module III – Fire Analysis Fire Fundamentals: Definitions Joint EPRI/NRC-RES Fire PRA Workshop August 21-25, 2017 A Collaboration of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) & U.S. NRC Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) What is a Fire? .Fire: – destructive burning as manifested by any or all of the following: light, flame, heat, smoke (ASTM E176) – the rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) – the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat (Merriam-Webster) – Combustion is an exothermic, self-sustaining reaction involving a solid, liquid, and/or gas-phase fuel (NFPA FP Handbook) 2 What is a Fire? . Fire Triangle – hasn’t change much… . Fire requires presence of: – Material that can burn (fuel) – Oxygen (generally from air) – Energy (initial ignition source and sustaining thermal feedback) . Ignition source can be a spark, short in an electrical device, welder’s torch, cutting slag, hot pipe, hot manifold, cigarette, … 3 Materials that May Burn .Materials that can burn are generally categorized by: – Ease of ignition (ignition temperature or flash point) . Flammable materials are relatively easy to ignite, lower flash point (e.g., gasoline) . Combustible materials burn but are more difficult to ignite, higher flash point, more energy needed(e.g., wood, diesel fuel) . Non-Combustible materials will not burn under normal conditions (e.g., granite, silica…) – State of the fuel . Solid (wood, electrical cable insulation) . Liquid (diesel fuel) . Gaseous (hydrogen) 4 Combustion Process .Combustion process involves . – An ignition source comes into contact and heats up the material – Material vaporizes and mixes up with the oxygen in the air and ignites – Exothermic reaction generates additional energy that heats the material, that vaporizes more, that reacts with the air, etc.
[Show full text]
Smokejumper STEM Challenge!
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION STEM PATHWAYS Smokejumper STEM Challenge! The Problem The U.S. Forest Service is seeking a parachute design that enables smokejumpers to jump in higher winds and glide to a safe landing. The parachute system needs to help reduce injuries to ankles, legs and hips during landings. The Challenge The U.S. smoke jumping program began in 1939 with the first fire To design a smokejumper’s parachute that has jump made in 1940 in Idaho. Today, more than 300 a controlled descent assuring a safe landing on smokejumpers battle wildfires from about June 1 through October the designated wildfire target. in the U.S. Parachutes are also used to drop food, water and fire fighting tools to the men and women battling wildfires. Find a Solution ASK: What are some possible ideas? Design Materials & Supplies PLAN: Test out your ideas Newspaper Tissue paper CREATE: Put your ideas to the test Garbage bags Miniature Napkins smokejumpers TEST: How well did your idea work? (toy paratroopers Paper Towels 1 ½ inches to 4 IMPROVE: Review results & make changes Kite string inches tall). You can also use washers, Tape clothespins or other Things to Consider Hole Punch similar items if you do Scissors not want to purchase toy figures. 1. What types of materials are used to make Ruler parachutes? 2. Which design material will work best to SAFETY ALERT: Scissors are sharp! Adult supervision descend your smokejumper to the wildfire? required when releasing smokejumper from elevated test sight (balcony, staircase, step ladder, etc.). 3. How will the parachute’s shape and size factor into your design? 4.
[Show full text]
AHSC Tips: Community Climate Resiliency
AHSC Tips: Community Climate Resiliency Communities will experience effects of climate change in various ways, including increased likelihood of heatwaves, droughts, sea level rise, flooding, wildfires, and severe weather. To be resilient to climate change, it is important to understand if the surrounding community is experiencing specific climate risks and how your AHSC project aims to address specific concerns. This section is worth 3 out of 15 points of the narrative, and includes a required supplemental Climate Adaptation Assessment Matrix (Matrix). STEP 1 - IDENTIFY CLIMATE RISKS: If available, use a local climate vulnerability assessments created by the city, county, regional council of government (COG), or metropolitan planning organization (MPO) to gather information about local climate risks to the project area. You can search for local climate vulnerability assessments on the Adaptation Clearinghouse. If no local assessment is available, or if the local assessment does not provide sufficient data, Cal-Adapt.org is a recommended state website to use. To fill out your Climate Adaptation Assessment Matrix for the AHSC program, you will need to use the Local Climate Change Snapshot Tool and Sea Level Rise Tool. They are both easy-to-use and come with downloadable data specific to your project’s geographic area. See general tips about Cal-Adapt immediately below, then the Appendix that starts on page 7 for screenshots of the Local Climate Change Snapshot Tool and Sea Level Rise Tool and guidance on how to take data from the tool to fill out the Matrix for each climate projection. Last Updated 3.11.21 1 Tips for using Cal-Adapt: ● After you have selected the tool, your next step will be to narrow in on the most localized data that is available.
[Show full text]
Flood After Fire Fact Sheet: Risks and Protection
FACT SHEET Flood After Fire Fact Sheet Risks and Protection Floods are the most common and costly natural hazard in the nation. Whether caused by heavy rain, BE FLOODSMART – REDUCE YOUR RISK thunderstorms, or the tropical storms, the results of A flood does not have to be a catastrophic event to flooding can be devastating. While some floods develop bring high out-of-pocket costs, and you do not have over time, flash floods—particularly common after to live in a high-risk flood area to suffer flood wildfires—can occur within minutes after the onset of a damage. Around twenty percent of flood insurance rainstorm. Even areas that are not traditionally flood- claims occur in moderate-to-low risk areas. Property prone are at risk, due to changes to the landscape owners should remember: caused by fire. The Time to Prepare is Now. Gather supplies in Residents need to protect their homes and assets with case of a storm, strengthen your home against flood insurance now—before a weather event occurs damage, and review your insurance coverages. and it’s too late. No flood insurance? Remember: it typically takes 30 days for a new flood insurance policy to go WILDFIRES INCREASE THE RISK into effect, so get your policy now. You may be at an even greater risk of flooding due to . Only Flood Insurance Covers Flood Damage. recent wildfires that have burned across the region. Most standard homeowner’s policies do not cover Large-scale wildfires dramatically alter the terrain and flood damage. Flood insurance is affordable. An ground conditions.
[Show full text]
Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems
Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems OSHA 3256-09R 2015 Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 “To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health.” This publication provides a general overview of a particular standards- related topic. This publication does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities which are set forth in OSHA standards and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Moreover, because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements the reader should consult current administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts. Material contained in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested but not required. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877-889-5627. This guidance document is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. It contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. The recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan.
[Show full text]
Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide
A publication of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide PMS 210 April 2013 Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide April 2013 PMS 210 Sponsored for NWCG publication by the NWCG Operations and Workforce Development Committee. Comments regarding the content of this product should be directed to the Operations and Workforce Development Committee, contact and other information about this committee is located on the NWCG Web site at http://www.nwcg.gov. Questions and comments may also be emailed to [email protected]. This product is available electronically from the NWCG Web site at http://www.nwcg.gov. Previous editions: this product replaces PMS 410-1, Fireline Handbook, NWCG Handbook 3, March 2004. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) has approved the contents of this product for the guidance of its member agencies and is not responsible for the interpretation or use of this information by anyone else. NWCG’s intent is to specifically identify all copyrighted content used in NWCG products. All other NWCG information is in the public domain. Use of public domain information, including copying, is permitted. Use of NWCG information within another document is permitted, if NWCG information is accurately credited to the NWCG. The NWCG logo may not be used except on NWCG-authorized information. “National Wildfire Coordinating Group,” “NWCG,” and the NWCG logo are trademarks of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names or trademarks in this product is for the information and convenience of the reader and does not constitute an endorsement by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group or its member agencies of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.
[Show full text]
Wildfire Smoke and Your Health When Smoke Levels Are High, Even Healthy People May Have Symptoms Or Health Problems
PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION http://Public.Health.Oregon.gov Wildfire Smoke and Your Health When smoke levels are high, even healthy people may have symptoms or health problems. The best thing to do is to limit your exposure to smoke. Depending on your situation, a combination of the strategies below may work best and give you the most protection from wildfire smoke. The more you do to limit your exposure to wildfire smoke, the more you’ll reduce your chances of having health effects. Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Use a Listen to your body high- efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and contact your filter to reduce indoor air pollution. healthcare provider Avoid smoking tobacco, using or 911 if you are wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, burning candles, experiencing health incenses or vacuuming. symptoms. If you have to spend time outside when the Drink plenty air quality is hazardous: of water. Do not rely on paper or dust masks for protection. N95 masks properly worn may offer Reduce the some protection. amount of time spent in the smoky area. Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors. Avoid vigorous Stay informed: outdoor activities. The Oregon Smoke blog has information about air quality in your community: oregonsmoke.blogspot.com 1 Frequently asked questions about wildfire smoke and public health Wildfire smoke Q: Why is wildfire smoke bad for my health? A: Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant material. The gases and fine particles can be dangerous if inhaled.
[Show full text]
FIGHTING FIRE with FIRE: Can Fire Positively Impact an Ecosystem?
FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE: Can Fire Positively Impact an Ecosystem? Subject Area: Science – Biology, Environmental Science, Fire Ecology Grade Levels: 6th-8th Time: This lesson can be completed in two 45-minute sessions. Essential Questions: • What role does fire play in maintaining healthy ecosystems? • How does fire impact the surrounding community? • Is there a need to prescribe fire? • How have plants and animals adapted to fire? • What factors must fire managers consider prior to planning and conducting controlled burns? Overview: In this lesson, students distinguish between a wildfire and a controlled burn, also known as a prescribed fire. They explore multiple controlled burn scenarios. They explain the positive impacts of fire on ecosystems (e.g., reduce hazardous fuels, dispose of logging debris, prepare sites for seeding/planting, improve wildlife habitat, manage competing vegetation, control insects and disease, improve forage for grazing, enhance appearance, improve access, perpetuate fire- dependent species) and compare and contrast how organisms in different ecosystems have adapted to fire. Themes: Controlled burns can improve the Controlled burns help keep capacity of natural areas to absorb people and property safe while and filter water in places where fire supporting the plants and animals has played a role in shaping that that have adapted to this natural ecosystem. part of their ecosystems. 1 | Lesson Plan – Fighting Fire with Fire Introduction: Wildfires often occur naturally when lightning strikes a forest and starts a fire in a forest or grassland. Humans also often accidentally set them. In contrast, controlled burns, also known as prescribed fires, are set by land managers and conservationists to mimic some of the effects of these natural fires.
[Show full text]
Fire Ecology of Ponderosa Pine and the Rebuilding of Fire-Resilient Ponderosa Pine Ecosystems 1
Fire Ecology of Ponderosa Pine and the Rebuilding of Fire-Resilient Ponderosa Pine Ecosystems 1 Stephen A. Fitzgerald2 Abstract The ponderosa pine ecosystems of the West have change dramatically since Euro-American settlement 140 years ago due to past land uses and the curtailment of natural fire. Today, ponderosa pine forests contain over abundance of fuel, and stand densities have increased from a range of 49-124 trees ha-1 (20-50 trees acre-1) to a range of 1235-2470 trees ha-1 (500 to 1000 stems acre-1). As a result, long-term tree, stand, and landscape health has been compromised and stand and landscape conditions now promote large, uncharacteristic wildfires. Reversing this trend is paramount. Improving the fire-resiliency of ponderosa pine forests requires understanding the connection between fire behavior and severity and forest structure and fuels. Restoration treatments (thinning, prescribed fire, mowing and other mechanical treatments) that reduce surface, ladder, and crown fuels can reduce fire severity and the potential for high-intensity crown fires. Understanding the historical role of fire in shaping ponderosa pine ecosystems is important for designing restoration treatments. Without intelligent, ecosystem-based restoration treatments in the near term, forest health and wildfire conditions will continue to deteriorate in the long term and the situation is not likely to rectify itself. Introduction Historically, ponderosa pine ecosystems have had an intimate and inseparable relationship with fire. No other disturbance has had such a re-occurring influence on the development and maintenance of ponderosa pine ecosystems. Historically this relationship with fire varied somewhat across the range of ponderosa pine, and it varied temporally in concert with changes in climate.
[Show full text]
Caldor Fire Incident Update
CALDOR FIRE INCIDENT UPDATE Date: 8/29/2021 Time: 7:00 a.m. @CALFIREAEU @CALFIRE_AEU Information Line: (530) 303-2455 @EldoradoNF Media Line: (530) 497-0315 Incident Websites: www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7801/ @CALFIREAEU @EldoradoNF Email Updates (sign-up): https://tinyurl.com/CaldorIncident El Dorado County Evacuation Map: https://tinyurl.com/EDSOEvacMap INCIDENT FACTS Incident Start Date: August 14, 2021 Incident Start Time: 6:54 P.M. Incident Type: Wildland Fire Cause: Under Investigation Incident Location: 2 miles east of Omo Ranch, 4 miles south of the community of Grizzly Flats CAL FIRE Unit: Amador – El Dorado AEU Unified Command Agencies: CAL FIRE AEU, USDA Forest Service – Eldorado National Forest Size: 156,515 Containment: 19% Expected Full Containment: September 8, 2021 First Responder Fatalities: 0 First Responder Injuries: 3 Civilian Fatalities: 0 Civilian Injuries: 2 Structures Threatened: 18,347 Structures Damaged: 39 Single Residences Destroyed: 471 Commercial Properties Destroyed: 11 Other Minor Structures Destroyed: 170 CURRENT SITUATION Situation Summary: Fire activity was limited overnight due the inversion layer settling in, these fire conditions allowed crews to engage the fire directly. Short range spotting and group touching continue with the most active fire activity present in the Northeast and Western sections of the fire. Steep terrain, ash pits and fire weakened trees Incident Information: continue to pose a threat for fire crews throughout the fire. To better provide public and firefighter safety due to extreme fire conditions throughout Northern California, and strained firefighter resources throughout the Country, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region is announcing a temporary closure of nine National Forests.
[Show full text]
Mid-Plains Interagency Handcrew Standard Operations Guide
MID-PLAINS INTERAGENCY HANDCREW STANDARD OPERATIONS GUIDE MID-PLAINS INTERAGENCY CREW Service, Growth, Leadership 1 Service, Growth, Leadership 2 Table of Contents Purpose ........................................................................................................................ 4 Defining “Interagency” ............................................................................................... 4 Mission Statement ....................................................................................................... 4 Code of Conduct ......................................................................................................... 4 Crew Guiding Principals ............................................................................................. 4 Safety .......................................................................................................................... 5 Briefing Checklist ....................................................................................................... 5 Maintaining Reliability and Performance ................................................................... 5 Driving / Travel........................................................................................................... 5 Qualifications .............................................................................................................. 6 Organization ................................................................................................................ 6 Schedule .....................................................................................................................
[Show full text]
Synthesis of Knowledge of Extreme Fire Behavior: Volume I for Fire Managers
United States Department of Agriculture Synthesis of Knowledge of Forest Service Pacific Northwest Extreme Fire Behavior: Research Station General Technical Volume I for Fire Managers Report PNW-GTR-854 November 2011 Paul A. Werth, Brian E. Potter, Craig B. Clements, Mark A. Finney, Scott L. Goodrick, Martin E. Alexander, Miguel G. Cruz, Jason A. Forthofer, and Sara S. McAllister A SUMMARY OF KNOWLEDGE FROM THE The Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the principle of multiple use management of the Nation’s forest resources for sustained yields of wood, water, forage, wildlife, and recreation. Through forestry research, cooperation with the States and private forest owners, and management of the national forests and national grasslands, it strives—as directed by Congress—to provide increasingly greater service to a growing Nation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
[Show full text]