As the effects of climate change worsen, wildfires are growing increasingly common in the United States.

When a wildfire happens, you need to move quickly. That said, you need to have a clear plan of what to do before, during, and after a wildfire. At the moment, you want to already know what your plan of action is.

Here is what to do before, during, and after a wildfire.

Before a Wildfire

You can do many things to try and prevent or prepare for a wildfire, especially if you live in a region that is prone to them.

Make Sure You Follow Fire Codes

Whether it is your home, the building you live in, or even your place of work, double-check that it follows all local fire codes and building codes too. That way, you know you are taking precautions before a wildfire arrives.

Trim Your Trees and Plants

Trim your trees and plants, especially if they are interfering with electrical wires. If you don’t, this is an easy way to start a fire. Avoid that entirely but keeping your trees and plants trimmed and away from any electrical wires.

This also includes making sure that you remove any dead branches from your trees too. Dead branches are more prone for helping wildfires grow.

Plan for an Evacuation

Even if there is no imminent threat of a wildfire, you should have an evacuation plan in place for you and your family or whoever you are with. It is always good to do a practice run too so that when the moment of a wildfire threat arrives, you and your loved ones are prepared to act.

Properly Store Flammable Materials

Another easy way wildfires can start is when you improperly store flammable materials. Keep them in closed, airtight containers so that there is no risk of them spilling or catching fire.

Purchase a Fire Radio and Batteries

You want to know that you are getting the most up-to-date information possible. During a wildfire, you won’t be able to purchase a fire radio. So, obviously, you must do that beforehand.

Learn how to use our fire radios today.

During a Wildfire

During a wildfire, it will feel frightening and chaotic. This is why having an important plan in place beforehand will help you. That said, here are some other things you need to do during a wildfire if you’re not ordered to evacuate.

Keep Your Windows Shut

The smoke from a wildfire is incredibly harmful. Because of this, you will want to keep all of your windows shut and try to isolate yourself in one room to preserve fresh air. You need to keep smoke outside so that it doesn’t infiltrate your home.

If you have a portable air purifier with a filter, you can run that in the room you are in to help keep your air cleaner. You should also not run any appliance or machine that will emit smoke.

Don’t forget to protect your pets from wildfire smoke too! They are also affected by wildfire smoke.

Keep a Light on in Each Room

Even if you and your loved ones are only staying in one room, turn on the lights to all of the other rooms as well. In case smoke gets inside, you will have more visibility with the lights on.

Listen Carefully to Your Fire Radio and the News

You need to know what fires are near you and when you might be prompted to evacuate. This is why using a fire radio or following your local government’s news is essential for your developing knowledge of the wildfires around you.

Prepare for Evacuation

Whether you are prompted to evacuate or decide you want to evacuate, you still need to prepare for the actual evacuation. Lives are more important than belongings, but you can always prepare a quick get-away bag full of the following:

  • a flashlight
  • your fire radio
  • cell phones and charged portable battery packs
  • any extra respirators you may have
  • water
  • any medications you or your loved ones need
  • important documents
  • securing your pet in their carrier (if you have a pet)

You should be able to travel with all of this easily.

When you get the order to evacuate, you will not have any spare moments. Get prepared before the order.

After a Wildfire

There is much to do after a wildfire as well. Depending on your situation, you may have different things on your to-do list.

Only Return to Your Home When Prompted

Your home area may still be at risk when it comes to wildfire. For this reason, you need to avoid returning to your home until your local officials deem it safe to do so. Otherwise, you may not make it out alive.

Avoid Burned or Damaged Areas

If you can, avoid burned or damaged areas. This could be charred remains of buildings or even downed electrical wires. If you are not careful, you could encounter still-burning embers or get electrocuted.

Wear Gloves and PPE

Even ash can cause harm to you. For this reason, wear gloves and long-sleeved shirts and pants when dealing with ash or other wildfire leftovers. If you get ash in your eye or on your skin, wash it off as soon as you can.

Throw Out Ruined Food and Water

Wildfires can cause much destruction to your local water supply too. Be wary when drinking water, and keep your ears open for updates on the local water supply.

If food has been ruined due to smoke or ash, do not be afraid to throw it away.

It’s Okay Not to Be Okay

When you clean up after a wildfire, you may experience a lot of emotions. This is normal: you went through a traumatic experience, and you are processing it. Be sure to take care of yourself and stay safe even in the aftermath.

Hopefully, this post serves as good wildfire safety guidelines that you can follow. You should always know what to do before, during, and after a wildfire before the wildfires even reach you. It may just save your life.

Get a price quote from BK Fire Radios today so you can start preparing for the next wildfire threat near you.