If a Wildfire Strikes, Are You Ready?

Australian wildfire

Wildfires (or bushfires) can strike at any time and when they do, things can turn deadly fast. And according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the cause of more than 50% of wildfires is unknown.

We can’t always predict when or where a wildfire will occur, but we can stay ready. From Australia to the Amazon rainforest, Southern California to South Africa, wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense. Experts agree that preparedness is a key factor in saving lives and communities.

According to readyforwildfire.org, there are 3 key steps to help you prepare and respond when a wildfire approaches.

1. Plan

Prepare like you mean business. In many places, it is not a matter of if, but when, a wildfire will occur. Luckily, there are many resources to help plan.

The Red Cross recommends making a plan to keep personal, financial, and medical records safe. You should consider the unique needs of your family when creating an evacuation plan:

For evacuating those with access and functional needs (including elderly adults) visit the US Fire Administration: People with Disabilities page.
For evacuating babies or small children, be sure to include baby food, diapers, a stroller, and any other necessary supplies.
For evacuating animals, pre-establish alternate caretakers and pet day care centers as many evacuation centers do not allow pets unless they are service animals. For larger animals, know the organizations that can assist in evacuations and keep your pet safe.

Download the Red Cross Wildfire Preparedness Checklist, and also check out ourFamily Preparedness Guide to ensure that your family has a plan. Gather food, water, and medicine in advance because stores and pharmacies might be closed. Organize your supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit.

Go-Kit: 3 days of supplies that you can easily carry with you.
Stay-at-Home Kit: 2 weeks of supplies if you need to stay at home.
Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container.

2. Know

During a wildfire, the most important information will come from your local government. Authorities will let you know when you should leave to stay safe.

Download localized apps such as Western Australia’s My Bushfire Plan or the Red Cross Emergency App offer preparedness planning tools and resources. View nearby wildfires in Google Maps with Google’s Crisis-Related Alerts. Keep track of the weather, fires near you, and listen to instructions from local authorities.

3. Act

Being ready also means knowing when to evacuate and what to do if you become trapped

Stay ready for action by taking the following steps:

Complete the readyforwildfire.org pre-evacuation preparation steps (only if time allows) to increase your home’s defense.
Review the Red Cross Wildfire Preparedness Checklist. Remember: You might not get an official notice to evacuate. Be ready to leave if local authorities advise, or if you feel you are in danger.
Always take your pets with you. If you are unsure where to bring your pet, contact your local Humane Society to see if they can provide more information on locally available resources.

Local Resources

Wildfires can happen at any time or place, and depending on where you are in the world, severity and duration can be significant. Globally, the vegetated areas of Australia, Western Cape of South Africa and throughout the dry forests and grasslands of North America and Europe are most likely to experience wildfires (frontlinefirewildfire.com).

Here are some Wildfire Preparation and Information Resources, so that you can stay ready no matter where you are located: