In recent years, the Northwest has been devastated by fast-spreading wildfire, with the 2020 wildfire season being one of the most destructive on record for the state of Oregon. Do you know how to protect yourself and family during wildfire season? Talk about evacuation plans with your household, and know what to do when air quality is reduced to an unhealthy level.
Wildfires are unplanned, unpredictable, and can spread quickly. Here’s how you can prepare:
Have several ways to receive warnings and alerts.
- Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
Sign up for community alerts in your area. Visit www.ready.gov/alerts to learn how.
- Be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA). These do not require you to sign up.
Make an emergency plan.
- Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands what to do if you need to quickly evacuate.
Know your evacuation zone.
- You may have to evacuate quickly due to a wildfire. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household, pets, and identify where you will go. Learn more at www.ready.gov/evacuation.
Gather supplies.
- Have enough supplies for your household, including medication, disinfectant supplies, masks, pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk.
- Keep your cell phone charged when wildfires could be in your area. Purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
Stay safe during a wildfire.
- Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so! Do not return home until authorities say it is safe to do so.
Stay Safe When the Air is Smoky
- Limit your exposure to wildfire smoke. Reduce time spent outdoors, and when indoors or in your car, set your A/C to recycle or recirculate.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
- Reduce other sources of indoor smoke and dust such as burning cigarettes, candles, gas, propane and wood burning stoves and furnaces, and vacuuming.
- If you have heart or lung disease or respiratory illnesses such as asthma, ask your health care provider’s advice about prevention and treatment of symptoms.
Supplies
- N95 masks (Keep enough masks for every member of your household to have at least two in case you are evacuated and must go to a public shelter.)
- Map marked with at least 2 evacuation routes
- Bug repellent
- Allergy medicine
- Sunscreen
RESOURCES:
- Oregon Health Authority; https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served//le8622.pdf
- Ready.gov; https://www.ready.gov/wildfires#prepare