As we enter late summer, we’re deep in wildfire season and there are many ways that you can protect yourself and your family if your community is threatened by fires. Here are some tips for how you can stay safe during wildfire season.  

Stay Tuned to Stay Alert 

• Pay attention to phone alerts and notifications about severe weather 

• Watch local news or listen to the radio   

• Have a battery-powered or crank radio to listen to the radio if you lose power, or cell phone reception is weak 

National Weather Service issues a fire weather watch when potentially dangerous fire weather conditions are possible within 12 to 72 hours. You can also join email or text alerting systems for emergencies in your area. Search the internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts” to see what options you have. 

Make Your Emergency/Evacuation Plans  

You’ll be paying attention to alerts, so it’s important to have an emergency evacuation plan in case you need to leave quickly.  

• Decide on a meeting place for your household members in case you aren’t all at home when an emergency starts 

• Know at least two ways out of your neighborhood 

• Evacuate early when a wildfire threatens your area, don’t stay till the last minute 

• Drive carefully when there is smoke affecting visibility 

• Learn your community’s evacuation plan and escape routes if available  

It’s also important to have contact with friends and family members to alert them of your safety and the location you’re relocating to during emergencies. 

Finally, Build Your Emergency Kit: 

Creating an emergency kit that you can bring with you during a possible evacuation is essential to staying safe during wildfire seasons.  

Consider the Five P’s when packing:  People, Prescription, Papers, Personal Needs, Priceless Items  

• Water (one gallon per person per day) 

• Food (non-perishable food supply to last 3 days) 

• Flashlights and extra batteries 

• First aid kit 

• Whistle 

• Protective masks  

• moist towelettes 

• Tools (such as wrenches and pliers to turn off utilities) 

• Can opener 

• Maps of your area 

• Phone chargers 

• Changes of clothes 

• Keys to your home and car 

• Cash 

• Important documents (IDs, birth certificates, insurance information, etc.) 

The most important thing you can do to protect your home and property is to make sure your coverage doesn’t have any gaps. We are always available to audit your policies to make sure they have the most adequate coverage for your needs. Call or text us today at 360-514-9550 for any questions about staying protected from wildfires.