WILDFIRE AWARENESS
The Threat of Wildfires is Rising.
Take Action to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones.
MAY 8, 2024
Recent years have seen record-breaking wildfire seasons across the world. Driven by the climate crisis, wildfires are becoming more intense and frequent. An unparalleled number of acres were burned in Europe last year, fueled by extreme heat and drought. The Valparaiso region of Chile experienced devastating fires in February 2024, killing over 112 people. In California, the trend of an extending wildfire season has led many experts to agree that a year-round wildfire season is the norm. Across the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, the season occurs during the warmer months, from May to October.
As we move into these months, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) has collated a number of weather predictions and patterns that influence the potential for wildfire frequency and severity. According to their studies, while some parts of the U.S. have experienced at or below normal temperatures, there are certain pockets such as the Northwest which may experience a heightened risk for wildfire. This is due to a combination of risk factors including lower than average rainfall, higher than average temperatures and lower than normal snowpack. There are several other areas throughout the U.S. facing drought, such as the Southeast, which may also see increased wildfire risk.
A report from the National Center for Environmental Information shows that this year, 1,659,645 acres have already burned in wildfires, which, though happening across fewer fires, is breaking records for acres burned per fire.
While NIFC statistics do show that 2023 fires were lower in number of fires and hectares burned than 2022, there were some devastating fires globally, including the Hawaii wildfires that broke out in August 2023. This event, whose impacts were compounded by the wind from passing Hurricane Dora, demonstrate the intersectionality of various events and climate-based patterns, that can influence the impact and severity of these events. Wiping out the historic town of Lahaina and killing over 100 people, these fires trigger years of recovery, and AHAH has been on the ground for over eight months aiding in those efforts.
A 2022 United Nations report highlights the role of the climate crisis in the increasing risk of wildfires and predicts this risk could more than double by the end of the century. The same report shares a message of hope that although it is impossible to eliminate the hazards of wildfires, “much can be done to manage and reduce risks.”
As we enter into the warmer months and approach wildfire season, being prepared is just one step you can take to protect yourself and your family from the potential impact. Here are the actions individuals and families can take to prepare their homes, land and households for future events.
BEFORE THE WILDFIRE
It is essential to be well prepared before a wildfire hits since in most cases there is little to no time to know if you and your home are in the path of its destruction:
Protecting your property is a crucial step to reduce the risks posed by wildfires, such as using home hardening techniques, creating defensible space around the property and ensuring gutters and roofs are free from debris. Protecting your property not only reduces direct risks, but it also helps to slow the spread and intensity of a wildfire and therefore contributes to the fire resilience of surrounding areas
Create a plan that includes:
- how you will receive emergency alerts and warnings
- shelter plan
- evacuation route (including back-ups considering all eventualities such as being trapped or evacuating pets or livestock)
- family/household communication plan. If possible, include elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors
Ensure this plan is clearly accessible to all. It is vital to not only create the plan but ensure all relevant parties are aware. Ideally, create a physical copy of the plan and make its location known to all
Prepare a “go-bag” in case you need to evacuate. Your bag should have important documents, medicines, bottled water, non-perishable food, a small first aid kit, blankets, flashlights, cash in small bills, a portable phone charger (ensuring it is charged), phone charging cables and anything else your household might need in an emergency
Sign up for multiple emergency management alert systems like FEMA, GDACS, My Radar and NOAA. It is important to be connected via multiple sources such as, FM/AM radio stations, social media, local agency websites, alerts via your cell phone
Prepare financially by reviewing insurance policies, understanding the exclusions and considering how you would cover any gaps. Consider how you would access funds if you are directly affected by a wildfire
DURING THE WILDFIRE
Here are actions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones when you face a direct threat from a wildfire:
Review your plan with your family to make sure everyone in your household knows what to expect and how they will respond when the wildfire approaches. Plan for the loss of communications when it does
Evacuate as soon as it is recommended by local officials, don’t wait to be ordered to leave. Vacate your property as soon as it is advised to evacuate
Double-check your emergency supplies and restock if needed; ensure all of your important documents are in order and your “go-bag” is ready
Prepare your vehicle by filling your gas tank in case you need to evacuate and stocking it with your emergency supplies and changes of clothes
Prepare your property for evacuation:
- Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked
- Remove flammable curtains
- Move flammable furniture to center of rooms
- Leave internal and external lights on so firefighters can see your home in smoky conditions
- Shut off air conditioning and turn gas off at the meter
- Find more information here
Stay aware and connected, frequently checking updates and local evacuation orders
Do not turn on sprinklers or other water sources in an attempt to fight the fire. This affects the water pressure for the main supply and reduces the firefighters ability to manage the fire
AFTER THE WILDFIRE
Here are tips if you can’t get immediate professional help and your home, or a home of your loved one, is impacted:
Return to your home only once you have been instructed by your local fire officials, and you are confident it is safe. If you choose to enter your home, before completing an inspection to assess the damage caused by the wildfire, check for the smell of gas. Ensure the power is turned off before the full inspection is complete. Use a battery powered flashlight to execute the inspection, make sure you turn it on outside the property as the battery can produce a spark that could cause a fire if leaking gas is present
Use extreme caution around tall objects and structures such as trees, telegraph poles etc. Most burned structures will be unstable. Stay away from burned forests particularly in windy conditions
There is an increased risk of flash floods after a wildfire, particularly due to rain falling over a burned area upstream from your location. Stay away from rivers, creeks, engineered channels as there can be a deadly flow of water or debris
Hidden embers may still be present in your property, even once officials have deemed the area safe. Stay vigilant and look for smoke or sparks throughout the house and in gutters and on rooftops, as well as looking for ash pits or embers
Assume the water from the faucet on your property is not safe until emergency officials say it is okay. Water supply systems can become polluted or damaged during wildfires
If your home has been impacted, clearly document any damage with a series of photographs, the house exterior and the damage to personal belongings before you start cleaning up. These pictures will be used for insurance or federal assistance claims
Be aware of hazardous materials. Many dangerous materials and chemicals may be released into the air when burned, heightening the risk of dangerous air quality after a fire. Windborn ash from fires may also have higher risk of contaminants such as arsenic and lead. It is advised to avoid burn areas and high ash areas until local emergency agencies have done testing to clear these areas as safe
Debris removal. In the U.S. there is a Government run program for debris and tree removal. It is recommended to initiate these programs as soon as possible as there is a limited window to receive these services and there is often a long waitlist
BE PREPARED
Although the threat of wildfires is extreme, the impacts on homes and communities can be reduced through preparedness. Following these measures can significantly reduce the destruction caused by wildfires.
Even if you are not in a wildfire-prone location, share this information with your networks so they are prepared. If you are in a wildfire-prone location, make sure your neighbors and community are also prepared.
It is always important to refer to your local area’s resources for specific information as advice may vary from city, state, region and country.
