Abstract
<jats:p>Catastrophic wildfires are increasing, encroaching further into populated areas. It is extremely important to be prepared when wildfire strikes. By preparing the home and property for wildfire and knowing what to do if evacuation is necessary, the safety and the survivability can be dramatically increased.Get Ready Hardening the home: a home can be hardened by retrofitting it with ignition-resistant or noncombustible materials to protect against the threat of flying embers, direct flame contact and radiant heat exposure.Defensible space: defensible space is the buffer created between a building on the property and the plants, brush, trees, or other combustible items in the near vicinity. This buffer helps to keep wildfire away from the home by reducing the fire’s intensity and slowing or halting the spread of wildfire. Creating this space also provides protection for the firefighters defending the home.Fire smart landscaping: taking it into consideration can be crucial to reduce the spread of wildfire around the home.Get set Create a wildfire action plan: such plan must be prepared and familiar to all members of the household well in advance of a wildfire.Keep necessary items ready if immediate evacuation required: pets, important papers, prescriptions, PC, plastic cards, etc.Prepare an emergency supply kit: put together an Emergency Supply Kit/Go Bag before a wildfire occurs and keep it easily accessible to take when evacuation occurs.Be prepared for power outages: power outages may occur before and during the threat of a wildfire. It’s important to be prepared and know what actions to take when leaving the home during a power outage.Have a family communication plan: have one in place in case family members get separated.Insurance preparedness: maintain insurance, know what your policy covers, make home inventory before evacuating.Go! Prepare pre-evacuation steps: when evacuation is anticipated and if time allows check one more time outside the house, inside the house, animals.Implement evacuation steps: review the evacuation checklist. Take the Emergency Supply Kit. Cover up to protect against heat and flying embers. Locate and take pets.Know when to evacuate: leave when evacuation is recommended by fire officials to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. In an intense wildfire, emergency personnel may not have time to knock on every door. If danger is imminent, the best course of action is to evacuate. If advised to leave, don’t hesitate!Anticipate about animal evacuation: after family and home safety, don’t forget about pets and livestock. Their chances of surviving a wildfire can be increased with some advanced planning.Know what to do if trapped: while in vehicle, while on foot, while in the home.Returning home after a wildfire: always check with officials before attempting returning home after a wildfire. Be aware of dangers that exist after a wildfire.</jats:p>