A RISK THAT INCREASES WITH DROUGHT

A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. Wildfires can ruin homes and cause injuries or death to people and animals.

PREPARE NOW

• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

• Know your community’s evacuation routes and find several ways to leave the area. Drive the evacuation routes and find shelter locations. Have a plan for pets and livestock.

• Gather emergency supplies, including N95 respirator masks that filter out particles in the air you breathe. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.

• Keep important documents in a fireproof safe. Create password-protected digital copies.

• Use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate, or make repairs.

• Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property.

• Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of leaves, debris, or flammable materials for at least 30 feet from your home.

SURVIVE DURING

• Evacuate. Leave immediately if authorities tell you to do so.

• If trapped, call 911 and give your location, but be aware that emergency response could be delayed or impossible. Turn on lights to help people find you.

• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.

• Use an N95 mask to keep particles out of the air you breathe.

BE SAFE AFTER

• Listen to authorities to find out if it is safe to return and whether water is safe to drink.

• Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire. Consider the danger to pets and livestock walking the ground.

• Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often busy following a disaster. Make calls only in emergencies.

FOR ALL EMERGENCIES: CORAC runs a HAM radio net and Signal groups. If communication goes out for any length of time, meet outside your local Church at 9 a.m. on Saturday mornings if it is safe to do so. Tell friends at Church now in case you can’t then. CORAC teams will be out looking for people to gather in and work with.