There are currently 489 active wildfires burning in the United States
By SafeHome.org
There are currently 489 active wildfires burning in the United States according to the Fire, Weather & Avalanche Center. The startling number is cause for concern considering that many Americans might not know what to do in the case of a nearby fire. It is evident that wildfires can spring up at a moment’s notice and creating an emergency plan and kit may save a life.
For those that don’t know where to start SafeHome.org has developed an emergency prep guide to help you better plan when disaster strikes:
Wildfire Preparedness Tips
- Stow flammable objects at least 30 feet away from the home
- Maintain a 10-foot distance between the house and any foliage
- Keep tree limbs trimmed at least 10 feet above the ground to prevent ladder fuels. Ditto with branches hanging within 10 feet of your roof, chimney, or house
- Water your yard regularly to avoid dry grass that is vulnerable to ignition
- Install nonflammable vegetation and mulch instead of their flammable counterparts. Pine needles, pine bark, and large mulched areas are fire-friendly, so avoid them
- Plant flowers, vegetables, and other growth in smaller, irregular groups instead of large masses
- Rake dead leaves and twigs
Tips For Evacuating
- Leave your home as quickly as possible – you may not have much time
- If possible, move flammable furniture to the center of your house
- Turn on exterior and interior lights to make the house visible to firefighters
- Arrange temporary shelter
- Gather fire tools such as axes, rakes, and buckets
- Close doors, windows, shutters, blinds, vents, eaves, and pet doors
- If you have flammable drapes or curtains, pack them up
- Get dressed in long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and durable shoes.
- Wear gloves and use a handkerchief to protect your face.
- Grab outdoor hoses and fill pools, hot tubs, and large outdoor containers with water.
- Turn sprinklers on and keep them running.
