The residents of Los Angeles County tragically started their new year with devastating conflagrations lasting for 24 days, resulting in 12 deaths while more than 6,000 homes and structures were destroyed. According to the U S Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Climate Hubs, these 11 states are most prone to wildfires: California, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Washington, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
The Disaster Response and Global Health Section would like to take this opportunity to review fire preparedness—what we can do before, during, and after a devastating wildfire.
A robust emergency plan before a major wildfire is among the most important ways to prepare for a fire disaster. Firewise practices at home can include signing up for local community warning system alerts; clearing any combustible materials (firewood, dried vegetation, or debris) within 30 feet from your home; obtaining a fire-retardant safe or information clouds to protect important documents; having early discussions with family members on what possessions or heirlooms are irreplaceable; creating a clear evacuation plan with a go-bag containing medications, glasses, or other essentials; and, finally, ensuring adequate insurance coverage for your property.
During a wildfire, it is important to listen to officials about real- time instructions. This can be done via local TV/radio or by following the Emergency Alert System—a national public warning system commonly used by state and local authorities to deliver important emergency information. Many times, evacuation orders and instructions will be issued; but, in rare cases, evacuation may not be an option, so you might be instructed to shelter in place instead. If this ends up being the case, make sure to keep all windows and doors closed in order to minimize smoke exposure, and wear an N-95 or similar mask if able to. Whenever possible, move any outdoor furnishings that might be combustible (ie, wooden basins, doormats, outdoor furniture, propane tanks) either inside or as far away from your house as possible so as to minimize the spread of fire to your property. If you have a pool, keep it full, and also fill trash cans or tubs with water to have available for fire fighters should they need it. Connect any outdoor gardening hoses to the spigot, and consider turning off any sprinklers to conserve the neighborhood water pressure. Within the home, consider removing flammable window curtains, relocating concentrated books, and turning off all gas lines. Before evacuating, remember to turn off gas and water to your property at the source.
Finally, after the fires have been contained, do not return until officials have cleared the area and are allowing residents to return. Be mindful that asbestos, heavy metals, lithium from damaged electric vehicles, or other volatile organic compounds can remain in the burn zone days after a major fire is extinguished. While the focus often centers on physical property damage, it’s crucial to recognize the significant mental health impacts that can follow a disaster, which also deserve attention and support. For more information, please refer to Firewise USA, Climate Hubs-USDA, or your local fire authorities.