Tips from the Red Cross to lessen the threat of a wildfire:
- If a wildfire is burning near someone’s neighborhood, they should back their car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
- People should confine pets to one room so they can find them if they need to get out quickly.
- Listen to local radio and television stations for updated information, and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
- Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
- Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in the home or car.
- Do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.
- Avoid running the vacuum cleaner because it stirs up particles that are already inside the home.
- If someone has asthma or another lung disease, they should follow their health care provider’s advice and seek medical care if their symptoms worsen.
Supplies to take with you if you need to evacuate:
- Water—one gallon per person, per day (3day supply)
- Food—nonperishable, easytoprepare items (3day supply)
- Flashlight
- Battery powered or handcrank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7day supply) and medical items
- Multipurpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
- Other essential items that could not be replaced if they were destroyed