How to Prepare and Survive Wildfires: Precaution and Action?

Wildfire damage leaves entire landscapes in ruins. Yes! The disaster doesn’t stop there—it upsets the balance of entire ecosystems.

Of late, wildfires have been increasing notably all over the world. It is attributed to two primary factors such as:

• Inconsiderate activities by humans;
• Change in climatic conditions.

This rising number necessitates understanding the inherent risks and how to survive a wildfire. Such knowledge will greatly help minimize the loss of property and lives and improve your chances of survival during such an event.

Understanding the Factors and Risks

Both natural and human factors can cause a wildfire.

The natural causes include:

• Volcanic eruptions
• Lightning or
• Spontaneous fire.

The human causes include:

• Campfires left unattended
• Discarded cigarette butts
• Intentional arson
• Deforestation activities
• Sparks from power lines

It has now been over a month since the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires began in Los Angeles County. The fires have claimed more than two dozen lives, scorched nearly 40,000 acres, and destroyed thousands of homes. This wildfire outbreak is driven by critical conditions, including dry weather and strong offshore winds.

The damage caused by wildfires is not limited to the flames alone. You will encounter high winds and elevated temperatures during these events, often leading to severe drought and drying of vegetation. The aftermath includes widespread air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and long-term ecological imbalance.

Preparation Tips Before Wildfires Strike

Strategic plans and preparations before a fire breakout can minimize the effects of a wildfire. Here are actionable tips.

Strategies to protect your home and property:

• Defensible Space: Create a defensible space around your home. Cut off all dead plants and trees around it and clear the debris. This will make the space secure. Keep away all types of combustible materials, such as propane or dry firewood, in a safe place, preferably 30 to 100 feet away from your house. Also, check for the functionality of your fire extinguishers and hoses. Additionally, if you have smoke detectors and sprinklers in your home, ensure they are functional. It is even better to have some fireproof clothing and blankets handy.
• Regular Maintenance: Maintaining your home, both indoors and outdoors, is necessary to minimize the damage. The garden in your home should be clean and well-maintained. Use drought-resistant and fire-resilient plants and landscaping. Trim and prune the trees regularly, and remove the dead branches. Also, keep the gutters free by cleaning the debris regularly.
• Fire-resistant materials: Always invest in fire-resistant materials to build your home, especially the roof and walls. Additionally, you should have a fire or ember-proof siding and venting system to protect your home from severe damage during a wildfire. Check the vents regularly and ensure cleaning when required for additional security.

Additionally, ensure the electrical wiring is safe, UL-listed, and well-insulated. Damaged or exposed wires increase risks. For sensitive electronic items, proper surge protectors must be fixed. Always follow the building code of your region.

Develop an Actional and Meticulous Emergency Plan

It is crucial to have a wildfire evacuation and communication plan in place to prevent loss of life.

Evacuation plan:

• There must be enough escape routes in your home known to every family member. You must also train everyone to take up important roles and help others during evacuation.
• Designate a safe place to meet in case of a fire breakout where you can decide on a further course of action.
• Make a list of all emergency contact numbers. The list must include the numbers of police, fire services, and local shelters.

First, Build an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is a non-negotiable element if you are preparing for a wildfire. It can actually save lives! Just make sure you have all the following items with you:

Waterproof Containers for Documents

Imagine fleeing a wildfire only to lose critical documents to water damage or heat. It’s not just inconvenient; it can severely delay your recovery significantly. That’s why safeguarding important papers should be a priority.

Just buy some waterproof and fireproof containers for storing essentials like your Identification papers, Insurance policies, Property deeds, Medical records, etc.

These portable containers are specifically designed to withstand water and extreme conditions.

Communication Tools for Remote Areas

Wildfires often strike in areas where mobile phone signals are patchy at best. This is where the following items might come in handy:

• Satellite Phones: Unlike regular mobiles, these devices connect directly to satellites, offering reliable communication even in remote areas. Perfect for calling emergency services or staying in touch with loved ones.
• Personal Location Beacons (PLBs): If you’re stranded or in danger, a PLB can send a distress signal to rescue teams. It’s a compact device, yet it could save your life.
• Offline Maps and GPS Devices: Wildfire evacuations can be chaotic, making familiar roads inaccessible. Download offline maps onto a GPS device to navigate safely, even when there is no form of internet.

Smoke Protection

In a wildfire, the risk is not only from the flames; smoke inhalation can have major health consequences. Thus, adequate protection is essential.

N95 Masks:

N95 masks can offer protection against harmful particles in wildfire smoke, but they don’t protect against harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• Make sure it’s certified and designed to filter out fine particles, including smoke.
• The mask should sit comfortably but tightly around your nose and mouth, leaving no gaps. A poor fit makes it useless.
• If the mask becomes damp, dirty, or too hard to breathe through, it’s time for a new one.

Alternatives for Children

The challenge is that N95 masks are not made for children, so how can you protect them?

• Look for child-specific masks designed to fit smaller faces and filter fine particles.
• If child-specific masks aren’t available, a damp cloth or a tightly woven scarf over the nose and mouth can offer some protection.

It’s not as effective as an actual mask, but it is preferable to have something than nothing.

Essentials:

• First-aid materials
• Emergency medicines
• Prescription medicines
• Proper burn ointments
• Few snacks and non-perishable food
• Credit cards
• Emergency funds
• Items for personal hygiene
• A set of clothes
• 3 gallons of drinking water for each person per day

Tools and gadgets:

• Flashlights and headlamps
• Portable power station
• Additional batteries
• A functional fire extinguisher
• Hand-crank or battery-operated radios
• Fire-resistant goggles and gloves
• Heat-resistant blanket

Stay connected and well-informed during wildfires

It is important to have updates on the wildfire. Staying informed during a wildfire is the best way to minimize loss of life or property and take actionable steps as and when required.

• Listen to weather reports and local news. Use a solar or battery-operated radio to get real-time updates on the wildfire.
• You can also use specific apps such as Cal Fire (California-specific updates) and FEMA or visit websites to learn about the active wildfires in your region.
• Also, pay attention to emergency alert systems in your regions and the official instructions issued.

How to Respond During a Wildfire

In your home

Do not use any electrical appliances if you are inside your home during a wildfire. Unplug them. You may even turn off the mains to prevent additional damage due to surges. If power lines are down outside, do not touch them. Report to the authorities immediately, as these may be live and cause death or severe injuries.

If a wildfire evacuation order is issued, do not take your car if roads are closed or blocked. Respond immediately and follow these steps:

• Do not panic and pacify others. Prepare to leave your house. Secure your home, close the doors and windows, and carry the emergency kit while leaving.
• Leave immediately after the evacuation order to avoid being trapped in the fire. Delays may cause roadblocks, making it difficult to leave the place.
• Follow the instructions of the local authorities and the specific route identified while moving out. Head towards the collective refuge or shelter close by.
• Help the elderly with mobility issues and children during evacuation.
• Do not forget your pets and leave them behind. Ensure you have food, careers, and water ready for them to move them to safety quickly.

To protect your pets and livestock, create a specific wildfire evacuation plan. Have a safe place designated to relocate them in case of fire. Have specific emergency kits, including bowls, blankets, and leashes. Also, have a carrier and food ready always for further shifting needs.

In a shelter

• Ensure you stay inside the shelter during a wildfire and shut all doors and windows. Fire screens and vents. However, do not lock the doors. This will allow easy entry for the firefighters.
• Use wet towels or damp cloth to seal the gaps under the doors and window sills, if any, to prevent smoke. Using air purifiers or HEPA-certified filters is a good practice. This will filter the indoor air and improve air quality.
• Stay glued to your radio or other broadcast or PDA systems for current news and updates on the wildfire.
• Call 911 for immediate assistance if you are caught in a dire situation. Inform them about your situation and your location.
• Do not switch off the lights. If the condition outside is smoky, this will help the firefighters and rescuers easily locate your shelter.
• If tubs and sinks are inside, seal them and fill them with cold water.
• Do not stay close to the windows or walls when you are inside.

Tips to protect yourself from smoke

Inside your home:

Wear a respirator to minimize exposure to smoke. However, do not use it on children, as they are not made for them. Look for masks specifically labeled for children and certified for particulate protection. Also, consult your physician before using a respirator if you suffer from heart and lung disease.

Minimize smoke buildup inside, and do not use wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, or propane. Do not smoke or fry and boil meat. Also, do not use propane, gas, or aerosol sprays. Avoid vacuum.

Always use top-quality filters in your air conditioning system, especially if it is centralized. These filters are highly efficient in capturing and filtering smoke and fine particles. Shut the intake damper outdoors or set it to recirculate mode if it is designed to intake fresh air.

In your vehicle:

If you can use your vehicle during evacuation, follow these steps to minimize smoke entry and exposure:

• Shut the doors, windows, and air vents and set it to recirculate mode
• Avoid areas with heavy smoke
• Drive carefully because visibility will be poor
• Wrap yourself with a woolen blanket or a jacket
• Make sure there is water in your car as well as the emergency kit
• Call 911 for help and tell them where you are
• If you cannot drive anymore, do not park the car near vegetation to avoid fueling the fire
• Lay down on the floor of your car

While hiking:

• Move to a place far from vegetation, such as a gravel field, near a water body, or a dusty area. You may cover yourself with soil if you do not have a fire-resistant jacket or blanket.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a mask and even other airways, preferably with a wet cloth.
• Avoid walking through valleys, ridges, or canyons because these typically become fire funnels in such situations.
• Do not panic and call 911 to convey your location to the officials.
• Avoid the flying embers and running. Stay low or lie face-down, covering your body, mouth, and nose with a cloth or a mask. This will filter the smoke.

Additional Tips for First Aid and Emergency Response

Knowing the basics of emergency response and first aid can greatly help a victim. If someone has inhaled a lot of smoke, remove him immediately to a place with fresh air and offer water to keep him hydrated.

You must cover the spot with a damp cloth in case of burns. You may also use running water to reduce skin irritation and soothe burns, but do not use ice or ice-cold water. If the burn is severe or in case of breathing problems, call for medical assistance from professionals.

How to prepare for power outages during wildfires?

Power outages and fallen power cables are common during wildfires. This will cut off communication and information systems.

So, ensure you have proper power backup systems to keep the lights on and other essential gadgets, such as your radio, functional.

You can look for the following for your power backup solution:

Portable Power Stations

A high-quality portable power station is a lifesaver. It provides power to essential gadgets and keeps communication systems operational. For instance, the BLUETTI AC200L Portable Power Station delivers reliable performance with its impressive battery capacity and solar compatibility. It's compact, efficient, and ideal for emergency preparedness.

Home Battery Systems

For more extended outages, a dependable home battery system is crucial. The BLUETTI AC300 + B300 System is a powerful option capable of running larger appliances like fridges, air purifiers, and medical devices. Its modular design and seamless integration with solar panels make it a sustainable choice during extended emergencies.

Why BLUETTI Stands Out During Emergencies

• Tailor-made solar-powered power stations and home battery backups are compatible with solar panels.
• Devices like the BLUETTI AC200L are portable, allowing you to move them wherever needed.
• Larger systems, such as the AC300 + B300, are ideal for families or individuals relying on medical devices.
• BLUETTI’s systems are simple, even for those without technical expertise. Their intuitive interfaces and real-time monitoring make them accessible to everyone.

Safety Tips During Power Outage

• All electronic and battery-operated electrical equipment, including radios, mobile phones, medical gadgets, and rechargeable batteries, may be charged using your power station.
• If you are using a gas-powered generator, ensure there is sufficient ventilation to allow dangerous carbon monoxide gas to be expelled safely outdoors. Solar generators, however, are safe for indoor use as they do not produce harmful emissions.

Cleanup and Safety Tips After Fire

After the fire, it is better not to return to your home until you get an official clearance. When you do, follow these tips for your safety.

Immediate actions:

• Assess the damage, focusing on damage caused to the building, roof, and attic.
• Also, check the gas and power lines, ensure they do not touch down the power lines and poles, and inform the authorities immediately.
• Furthermore, check electrical outlets, wiring, and home appliances for exposed wires and signs of burn or smoke. If there are circuit breakers, reset them if they are tripped before restoring power in your home.
• Watch for fire risks in the area.
• Ensure safety as smoke, fire pockets, and hot embers may be strewn all over.

Tips for personal safety during cleanup:

To ensure personal safety while disposing of debris and ash, follow these tips:

• Before removing, spread water on the ash and dust to minimize airborne particles
• Wear an N95 mask to prevent dust, ash, and smoke inhalation
• Wear protective clothing, including fire-resistant gloves and boots

Tips for long-lasting recovery:

• If you have insurance coverage for wildfires, make a report of the property damage and make sure you call them. Also, look for relief programs and governments provided to wildfire victims to reduce your financial loss to some extent.
• Follow other recovery sources and stay updated using Red Cross and FEMA apps.
• Start the rebuilding process. Ensure that top-quality and fire-resistant building materials are used to enhance the fortification of your property.

Always hire professional cleaning, repairing, and electrical services while rebuilding for safe and proper restoration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a lot of preparation is required to survive a wildfire. During the outbreak, quick wildfire evacuation to a defensible area is a crucial step that will improve your chances of safety and survival. After the incident is over, you must assess things minutely and take proper preventive measures to minimize losses and risks in the long term.

Since there is very little or nothing you can do to prevent a wildfire, you could learn how to survive a forest fire to tackle the challenges more efficiently and save individuals and the community.