Responding to Wildfires
When Wildfire Threatens Your Home
Report any outdoor fire to emergency officials. Only attempt to control small, contained fires. Anything larger than a wastepaper basket fire should be left to firefighters. Fire is unpredictable and dangerous.
Once you report the fire:
• Turn on a radio or television to get the latest information.
• Keep lights on for visibility in smoky conditions. Distribute flashlights.
• Be ready to evacuate when ordered to do so by local officials, or if the fire draws near.
• If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. You might have only a few minutes to get to safety.
• If you must evacuate, follow evacuation routes indicated by local officials, even if they are different from what you expect. Because wildfires are unpredictable and can change speed and direction quickly, your planned escape routes might be blocked.
ONLY If You Have Time:
Outside:
• Remove flammable materials like trash, fuels, furniture or vehicles from around your home.
• Seal vents to attics and other concealed spaces.
• Shut off the gas at the meter or the propane tank.
• Connect water hoses; set up water pumps.
• Be ready to soak roofs, shrubs and trees within 15 feet of buildings and above-ground fuel tanks.
Inside:
• Shut off the gas at the meter or the propane tank. Make sure all valves on your furnace, gas meter or propane tank are closed. Turn off any pilot lights.
• Close all windows and doors to prevent drafts. Remove window coverings like curtains, shades or blinds.
• Move furniture and other combustible materials toward the center of the building, away from windows and doors.
After a Wildfire:
• Do not return to your home until local officials tell you that it is safe to do so.
• Be cautious when returning to a burned area. Hot spots can flare up without warning.
• Be cautious of downed or damaged power lines and poles, which can cause electrocutions or additional fires. Report electrical damage immediately to authorities.
• Watch out for ash pits, which are holes full of hot ashes left by burned trees and stumps. Falling into an ash pit can cause serious burns and other injuries. If possible, cordon these off to prevent injuries.
• As soon as you return, check roofs, attics and concealed spaces for hot spots, embers or sparks, and extinguish these immediately. Continue checking for at least several hours.
• Before entering a building, look for hazardous conditions, such as standing water (might be electrically charged if wires were damaged), sagging ceilings and damaged floors.
• Check the electricity. If it is out, you might need to reset the main breaker, which the fire might have tripped. Contact your electric utility company for assistance.
• Carefully inspect heating systems; engage a qualified professional to do this. Repair or replace damaged or burned components before using the system. Tanks, fittings, lines, valves and filters might have been damaged, bent, warped or stressed, making them unsafe to use.
• Have the water tested before using it. Water systems can be damaged or contaminated by loss of pressure or other effects of the wildfire.
• Watch out for damaged trees or power poles. Be aware that local wind patterns might change due to loss of trees in the fire, so damaged trees might fall when and where you don't expect them.
• As you clean up your home, work carefully. Protect your family from injury.
• Use personal protective equipment, including appropriate respiratory protection, protective clothing, sturdy boots and gloves.
• Wet down ashes and other debris.
• Use special caution when handling hazardous materials, such as batteries, paints or damaged fuel containers. Check with local authorities or professionals for assistance.