Wildfire Awareness Week: Preparing for evacuation

This week is Wildfire Awareness Week. The following column on evacuating homes near the urban-wildland forest interface was provided by the Flathead National Forest.

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According to Helena Fire Department fire chief Sean Logan, “In any fire emergency, personal safety is the highest priority. In the event of a wildfire, public evacuation from harm’s way is the most important way that firefighters and other emergency responders can ensure the safety of those they serve. Evacuation preparedness is also one of the most important ways that citizens can share the responsibility of dealing with wildfire in our communities.”

Wildfires can spread quickly, and you and your family may have to leave at a moment’s notice. Don’t count on having ample time to gather your belongings and evacuate to safety.

Create an evacuation plan with your family or household members and delegate responsibilities:

• Put together an emergency kit to take with you when you evacuate. For a detailed list of what to include in your kit, visit online at www.redcross.org/prepare.

• Prepare a “vital information kit” with important documents, banking, medical records, credit cards, utility service providers, passwords, passports, etc.

• Maintain a list of emergency numbers or save the numbers on each cell phone. Register phone numbers with your county’s emergency services Reverse 911 system.

• Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. It may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.

• Identify a place to meet outside your home and neighborhood in case you are separated. Establish a list of temporary housing options.

• Plan and practice several evacuation routes from your home.

• Plan ahead for your pets and livestock. Keep a phone list of pet-friendly hotels/motels and animal shelters along your evacuation routes.

• Review your home insurance policy and update as necessary

When a wildfire threatens your immediate area, here are some tips to prepare for evacuation:

• Tune in to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information and air quality reports.

• Limit exposure to smoke and dust, especially true for children, elderly and asthmatics. Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.

• Close windows and doors but do not lock them. Close curtains, shutters and blinds.

• Turn on exterior lights.

• Remove flammable items from decks and porches, like cushions on lawn furniture.

• Confine pets to one room so that you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.

• Open gates for animals that cannot be evacuated.

• Connect a hose to the spigot. Mark any water sources on your property.

• Shut off gas lines

• Leave a ladder for firefighters.

• Put your emergency kit in your car.

• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape, with windows closed and keys in the ignition. Keep your gas tank full during fire season.

• Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car.

• Put your best driver at the wheel. Turn on lights, drive slowly and watch out for emergency vehicles.

• Take a deep breath. Stay calm and think clearly.

A wildfire is a complex event that can quickly transform your neighborhood into a dark and dangerous area. Stressful situations can cause people to panic and rush, making them hazardous to themselves and others. Plan ahead to ensure sufficient time to relocate safely, and in a calm manner.

For more information on how to prepare an evacuation plan, visit online at www.firesafemt.org, www.ready.mt.gov, www.readysetgomontana.org and www.redcross.org/prepare.

To have important wildfire safety information at your fingertips, download the free Red Cross Wildfire App at www.redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps. You can also download the Red Cross’s free First Aid and Shelter apps there.