Above image by Janek Szymanowski from Pixabay
Do you live in a wildfire-threatened community? A wildfire urban interface fire involves human-populated areas and structures as well as forest fuels and vegetation simultaneously. With the arrival of hotter drier weather, you must be prepared for the possibility of wildfires.
The Fort McMurray incident of 2016 serves as an effective case study that reinforces the necessity of wildfire personal preparedness.
As we roll into the summer of 2024 check out getprepared.gc.gc for guidelines to follow before, during, and after a wildfire:
Click here to understand forest fuels.
Visit this site to learn how wildfires start and spread.
Wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
Before a wildfire, it is crucial to create a defensible space by removing combustible materials and vegetation near your home and using fire-resistant landscaping. Home hardening with fire-resistant building materials and keeping gutters and roofs clear of debris are essential steps. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as water, food, medications, important documents, and personal items. Develop an evacuation plan with multiple routes, a communication strategy, and a designated meeting place, and stay informed by signing up for local alerts and following weather reports. During a wildfire, stay informed through local news and official sources for updates and evacuation orders. If evacuation is necessary, leave immediately, wear protective clothing, and bring your emergency kit and pets. Ensure home safety by shutting windows and doors, turning off gas and fuel lines, turning on your home wildfire sprinkler fire protection system, and wetting down the roof and area around your home if possible. After a wildfire, wait for official clearance before returning home. Conduct safety checks for hot spots, structural damage, and hazards, and wear protective gear during cleanup to avoid inhaling ash. Document any damage with photos and videos for insurance claims, notify your insurance company, and cooperate with the claims process. Seek support for any stress or trauma experienced and consider fire-resistant materials and designs if rebuilding, implementing learned fire mitigation measures.
