Evacuating a wildfire area can be scary, but experts say people can significantly improve their own safety with a little preparation and common sense.
Creating a wildfire action plan, packing a “go bag” and maintaining basic situational awareness during evacuations can make a big difference in escaping a disaster, said Jesse Torres, battalion chief with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. California Fires, or Cal Fire.
But the most important advice? Don’t wait for an evacuation order, Torres said.
“The most important thing is to leave early, before the notifications go out. “It is very important to avoid congestion,” he said. This is especially true in areas that have narrow roads or limited routes, Torres said, because traffic jams can form quickly: “Everyone is doing the same thing: Everyone is trying to get out.”
Here are some safety tips on what to do before and during a wildfire evacuation, and what to do if you become trapped.
Sign up for regional warning systems
Many communities, including several in californiaThey have warning alert systems that allow residents to sign up to receive push notifications on their mobile phones or email accounts.
FEMA has a downloadable app which provides real-time alerts on mobile phones, and public safety agencies can also send alerts to television, radio and wireless devices through the Integrated public alert and warning system. He NOAA Weather Radio for All Hazards is a national network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information, as well as warnings, forecasts and other hazard information from the official Weather Service.
A portable, battery-powered or hand-cranked radio can also be a critical tool for receiving emergency alerts, especially in areas where cellular service is unreliable or when regional cell towers may be threatened by wind, fire, or other hazards.
Have an emergency action plan
Home emergency action plans help ensure that everyone in a family knows exactly what to do and where to go during a wildfire. The US Department of Homeland Security says Emergency plans must be adapted. for a household’s unique circumstances, taking into account things like special medical needs or whether a family has livestock.
Robust wildfire action plans typically include: A pre-arranged assembly point well outside the danger area where household members can gather to determine who has evacuated; multiple escape routes out of the area so people know which way to go if one path to safety is blocked; accommodations for any family member with disabilities or medical conditions; arrangements for pets and livestock; and a communication plan that identifies someone outside the area as the main point of contact in the event household members become separated.
Pack a ‘go bag’
When it’s time to evacuate, having a prepackaged “go bag” or emergency supply kit can save valuable minutes, Torres said.
Cal Fire says an “emergency bag” should include a map with at least two evacuation routes; necessary prescriptions or medical items such as glasses; extra car keys, cash or credit cards; a basic first aid kit; a flashlight and a battery-powered radio with spare batteries; and copies of important documents such as passports or birth certificates. It should also include a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water per person, as well as food and water for pets. N95 masks can help filter out many of the particles in wildfire smoke, and an extra cell phone battery or charger can also be helpful.
“Go bags” should be accessible and easy to grab in case of emergency, Torres said.
“Plan as if you were going on a seven-day trip. Have clothes, toilet paper, toothbrush, soap, a towel there,” Torres said. “You could end up in an evacuation center or with your family, so be prepared.”
Protect your home
If weather permits, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends connecting water hoses and filling trash cans, bathtubs, swimming pools, and the like with water to help firefighters if they end up on your property.
“Close all windows, and if you can and know how to do it safely, turn off the gas and electricity to your home,” he said. Closing doors, windows and vents will help prevent embers from blowing in and setting the interior on fire, Torres said.
Don’t wait, just go
Even if you don’t have a “go bag” or wildfire action plan in place, don’t delay if you feel danger is near, Torres said.
Fires can move faster than humans, especially when driven by strong winds. And all kinds of things, including downed power lines, thick smoke, abandoned cars, windblown debris, and heavy traffic, can impede escape routes during emergencies.
“Just get out of those warning and evacuation order zones. If you have family on the other side of the county, go to the other side of the county,” Torres said. “Get out and off the roads as soon as possible.”
What to do if you are trapped
If you can’t evacuate, your car breaks down or you get stuck for some other reason, don’t panic, Torres said. Instead, look around and call 911.
“Notice where you are, what street you are on. Can you see a direction sign? Please call 911 so we can send you resources to try to find him,” Torres said.
Sometimes people lose sight of the fire during an evacuation and it can be difficult to know where they are in all the smoke. An intersection or landmark can help emergency responders identify someone’s location and determine if they are in immediate danger, he said. Again, it’s critical not to delay: Go ahead and call 911 to “start that process,” Torres said.
If someone can walk to safety, they should do so, Torres said. In that case, stay on a main route if possible, because that increases your chances of being detected by a passing car or emergency services, he said.