BEFORE DURING AFTER
) Occupational I - Health U.S. Department o f Health and Human Services BEFORE
The number of people living in woodland settings—near forests, What to do before fre strikes mountains, or rural areas—is on the rise. There, homeowners enjoy – Build an emergency supply kit and make a – Install a dual-sensor smoke alarm on family communications plan each level of your home (especially near the beauty of the environment, yet – Design and landscape your home with bedrooms); test monthly and change the they face the very real danger of batteries at least once a year wildfires. wildfire safety in mind; select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than – Teach each family member how to use a Wildfires, are inescapable forces of fuel it fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them nature, and often begin unnoticed. – Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees, such as where it’s kept About 90 percent of the time, fires hardwood trees, which are less flammable – Keep household items handy that can be are started by people (often by than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus, or fir trees used as fire tools: a rake, ax, handsaw or accident or through negligence). – Use fire-resistant or noncombustible chain saw, bucket, and shovel The rest are triggered by lightning materials on the roof and exterior – Keep a ladder that will reach the roof or lava, according to the National structure of the dwelling, or treat wood or – Consider installing protective shutters or Park Service. combustible material with fire-retardant heavy fire-resistant drapes chemicals evaluated by a nationally Homes that survive a major recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters – Clear flammable items from around the wildfire often do so because the Laboratories (UL) house—such as wood piles, lawn furniture, homeowners prepared well ahead barbecue grills, and tarp coverings — and – Regularly clean roof and gutters move them outside of your defensible space of time. – Inspect chimneys at least twice a year and – Identify and maintain an adequate outside clean them at least once a year Fires can spread quickly, igniting water source such as a small pond, cistern, brush, trees, and buildings. Reduce • Keep dampers in good working order well, swimming pool, or hydrant your risk by preparing now. • Equip chimneys and stovepipes – Ensure that your garden hose is long enough with a spark arrester that meets the to reach any area of the home and other Meet with your family to plan what requirements of the National Fire structures on the property to do and where to go if wildfires Protection Association (contact your local fire department for exact specifications) – Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets threaten your area. on at least two sides of the home near other – Use 1/8-inch mesh screen beneath porches, structures on the property; install additional decks, floor areas, and the home itself, and outlets at least 50 feet from the home screen the openings to floors, roof, and attic – Consider obtaining a portable gas-powered pump in case electrical power is cut off DURING Protecting your loved ones and If possible, take the following actions yourself during a wildfire is • essential. If advised to evacuate, do when a wildfre is imminent so immediately. Take your disaster supply kit, lock your home, and – Arrange temporary housing at a friend’s or – Be mindful of water use restrictions for areas choose a route away from the fire relative’s home outside the threatened area affected by wildfires hazard. in case you need to evacuate – If you have gas-powered pumps for water, – Wear protective clothing when outside, such make sure they are fueled and ready Watch for changes in the speed as sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothes, – Place a ladder against the house in clear view and direction of the fire and long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a smoke. A wildfire can be highly handkerchief to protect your face – Close all garage doors and disconnect any unpredictable. Tell someone when automatic openers so the doors can still be – Gather fire tools such as a rake, ax, handsaw opened by hand if the power goes out you left and where you are going. or chainsaw, bucket and shovel – Place valuable papers, keepsakes, and If you see a wildfire and haven’t – Close windows, doors, pet doors, and vents anything “you can’t live without” inside received evacuation orders yet, call to reduce drafts and radiant heat in the the car in the garage, ready for a quick 911. Don’t assume that someone home departure; don’t forget about any pets that else has already called. Describe – Remove flammable drapes and curtains. are still with you the location of the fire, speak Close all shutters, blinds or heavy non- – Place valuables that will not be damaged by slowly and clearly, and answer any combustible window coverings to reduce water in a pool or pond questions the dispatcher asks. radiant heat – Move flammable furniture into the center of – Open the damper on your fireplace, but close the residence away from the windows and the fireplace screen sliding-glass doors – Shut off any natural gas, propane or fuel oil – Turn on outside lights and leave a light on in supplies at the source every room to make the house more visible – Connect garden hoses to outdoor water in heavy smoke faucet and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage – Follow additional guidance provided by cans, tubs or other large containers with local authorities water – Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Leave sprinklers on and dowse these structures with water as long as possible AFTER Following a wildfire, return home after local fire or law enforcement Guidelines following a wildfre authorities say it’s safe to do so. Indoor safety – Check the roof immediately after the fire – Go to a designated public shelter if you have danger has passed; put out any roof fires, Fire can damage a structure’s been told to evacuate or if you feel it’s unsafe sparks, or embers; check the attic for hidden integrity, so have the building to remain in your home. Text “shelter” + your burning sparks inspected to make sure that it’s ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest Health and personal safety safe before you enter. shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345) – If you or those you’re with are burn victims, – If you have evacuated, do not enter your home call 9-1-1 immediately; cool and cover burns until officials say it is safe to reduce chance of further injury or infection – Use caution when entering burned areas as – Discard any food that has been exposed to hazards may still exist, including hot spots, heat, smoke, or soot which can flare up without warning – Do NOT use water that you think may be – For several hours after the fire, maintain a contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, fire watch; recheck for smoke and sparks prepare food, wash hands, make ice, or make throughout the house and if you see smoke or baby formula fire, evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1 – Wet down debris to minimize breathing dust – If you have a safe or strong box, do not try to particles open it as it can hold intense heat for several – Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup hours; if the door is opened before the box has of fire ash and safe use of masks cooled, contents could burst into flames – Watch animals closely and keep them under Outdoor safety direct control; hidden embers and hot spots – If a building inspector has placed a color-coded could burn your pets’ paws or hooves sign on the home, do not enter until you get
further instruction about the sign and whether Coping with the aftermath it’s safe to re-enter – Remain calm. Pace yourself. You may find yourself in the position of taking charge of – Use caution when entering fire-damaged and other people. Listen carefully to what people burned areas; hazards may still exist, including are telling you, and deal patiently with urgent hot spots that can flare up and trees that can situations first fall without warning – Licensed Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Watch for ash pits and mark them for safety counselors are available 24/7 to assist you and warn family and neighbors to keep clear – Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires RESOURCES
Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your Helpful websites and organizations area by state and local government. – American Red Cross In any emergency, always listen RedCross.org to the instructions given by local 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) emergency management officials. – Federal Emergency Management Agency (which oversees the U.S. Fire Administration) FEMA.gov Additional resources are available 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) Find more information online at foh4you.com or call the Employee (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) Assistance Program (EAP) for help and – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations’ National Weather Service (NOAA support. Watch) Weather.gov Consultants are available any time, day or night to provide confidential 1-828-271-4800, then press 2 assistance at no cost to you. (TTY: 1-828-271-4010) [email protected] – National Voluntary Organization Active in Disaster (NVOAD) NVOAD.org 1-703-778-5088
Employee Assistance Program 1-800-222-0364 24 (TTY: 1-888-262-7848) HOURS A DAY foh4you.com
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Information for this brochure adapted from Ready.gov, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website for disaster preparedness.