How to Prepare for a Wildfire
What to do before, during and after a wildfire strikes
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What to do before, during and after a wildfire strikes
Wildfires are a major hazard in areas like Southern California, especially to homes near canyons and in rural areas. Dry brush, hot weather during summer and fall and seasonal Santa Ana winds are major risk factors, including in San Diego County.
To help keep you and your family safe, Scripps has pulled the following safety tips and resources from reliable sources, including Cal Fire and the state and county's office of emergency services.
Pay attention to emergency alerts
Sign up for free emergency alerts with your county or local officials. Wildfires can spread quickly. When you sign up, you can choose how to receive alerts. Options include cell phone, home phone, email, text messages, and sometimes TTY devices.
In areas at risk for wildfires, people should be ready to evacuate quickly. While keeping a safe area around your home and using fire-resistant materials are important, it is best to do this work before fire danger increases. Waiting for an evacuation warning might not give you enough time to prepare safely.
In addition to these safety measures, consider the following steps to ensure your family's readiness:
- Prepare for the possibility of evacuation by creating a Personalized Disaster Plan.
- Explain to everyone in the house, especially children, how to quickly evacuate in case of a fire.
- Assemble an emergency supply kit that you can grab at a moment’s notice.
What should I include in an emergency supply kit?
A basic emergency kit should include:
- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
- A three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Working radio
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle for help
- Masks
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
- Wrench or pliers for utilities
- Manual can opener
- Cell phone with chargers and backup battery
- Two-week supply of medications
Additional supplies, based on individual needs, may include:
- Important documents (insurance, ID, bank records)
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket per person
- Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Waterproof matches
- Feminine hygiene items
- Mess kits and utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, or puzzles for children
Create a wildfire action plan
Your wildfire action plan should include:
- A meeting place outside the fire area if your family get separated during evacuation
- Several escape routes from your home and community. To find safe exits and shelters, call local authorities.
- An evacuation plan for pets and large animals, like horses and livestock
- A friend or relative from out of town can be a contact person. They can help keep communication clear among family members if you get separated.
It’s important to find a safe place to go if you need to leave. Ask family or friends in a safe area for shelter. If that is not possible, be ready to find other options, like a public shelter, hotel or motel.
Pay attention to evacuation warnings and orders
Always know when it’s time to leave. An evacuation warning means you should get ready to go. An evacuation order means you must leave right away. Don’t wait as you and your family are in danger.
If you get trapped by fire, call 9-1-1. Tell them where you are. To help rescuers find you, turn on the lights in your home. You can also use your vehicle headlights and emergency flashers.
Help may not reach you quickly. That’s why it is very important to evacuate early.
Stay informed
Staying informed is key to being ready during an emergency. If you live in San Diego County:
- Register your cell phone, VoIP (Voice over IP) or email with AlertSanDiego, the county’s notification system. You will get warnings on your mobile phone.
- Download the emergency app, SDEmergencyApp, to receive emergency information, including incident updates, shelter locations, evacuation areas and hazard perimeters.
- Watch local news or listen to local radio. The main Emergency Alert System stations for San Diego County are KOGO AM 600 and KLSD AM 1360.
After a wildfire
Before returning home after a fire, check with officials to see if it’s safe. If it is, stay cautious. Disaster assistance programs can help you.
If a wildfire affects you, returning home can be tough. It is very important to find healthy ways to manage the stress that may come up.
“While you may not be able to control the stressful situation itself, there are ways you can manage your reaction to that situation and minimize the physical and emotional effects,” says Jerry Gold, PhD, administrative director of behavioral health at Scripps.
Common reactions to the stress of disasters include disbelief and shock. People may feel anxiety about what comes next. They might struggle to make decisions or focus.
“Recognize that your reactions are a normal response to an abnormal situation. Your feelings are real,” Gold says. “Seek, if interested, productive ways to help rebuild.”
Here are some helpful coping tips:
- Talk about your feelings with loved ones.
- Prioritize self-care. Rest, eat well, limit caffeine and avoid drugs and alcohol.
- Limit exposure to disaster images on TV and online once you are safe.
- Engage in enjoyable activities like reading or watching movies.
- Seek professional help if anxiety or depression persists.
“If you’re experiencing any respiratory issues, seek medical help," Gold adds. “Poor air quality from a fire can cause breathing problems and increase anxiety.”