What should you prepare in case of a wildfire evacuation?

Wildfires can be a terrifying event, but thankfully, you can take precautions to make sure you and your family are safe. It would help if you always had an emergency evacuation plan in place, including a bug-out bag containing the essentials for survival. Make sure you pack water purification tablets, food, clothing, shelter, and other items that may be needed during a disaster.

If possible, leave early to allow enough time for traffic and avoid smoke-choked highways. Above all else, remember to stay calm and try not to panic!

WHAT SHOULD YOU PREPARE IN CASE OF A WILDFIRE EVACUATION?

Wildfires can be a terrifying event, but thankfully, you can take precautions to make sure you and your family are safe.

It would be best if you always had an emergency evacuation plan in place, including a bug-out bag containing the essentials for survival. Make sure you pack water purification tablets, food, clothing, shelter, and other items that may be needed during a disaster. If possible, leave early to allow enough time for traffic and avoid smoke-choked highways. Above all else, remember to stay calm and try not to panic!

When a wildfire is raging nearby, the only thing you can do is to get out of its path. But if you have been ordered to evacuate and don't know what to take with you, here are some things that might be useful:

• A well-stocked emergency kit containing food, water, clothing for all family members, including pets, medication, and essential documents.
• Emergency contact numbers for your insurance company and doctor.
• Money in small denominations that fit easily into a pocket or purse - cash machines may not work during an outage.
• Cell phone chargers or cell phones with car chargers so that you can call for help when there is no power at home. Extra keys to your house and car.
• A flashlight with spare batteries.
• An extra set of clothes for the entire family, including hats, mittens, scarves, and sturdy boots or shoes.
• Extra blankets in case you have to shelter at a community center or motel overnight.
• A can opener so that you can open a can of food.
• Hammer and nails hang blankets or plastic sheeting over windows, doors, or vents to keep smoke.
• A wrench for turning off gas at the meter if you have time before leaving home. Matches in a waterproof container so that you can start a fire while you are away from home.
• Maps of the area and a compass so you can figure out where to go if there is no power.
• Coins for a pay phone or cell phone if cells aren't working.
• Waterproof bags and containers to use as makeshift toilets. These won't be necessary if you plan, and you can head straight for the exit.

Emergency Preparedness: 7 Things You Need to Know to Be Ready for a Wildfire

Wildfires are terrifying. But the good news is you don't have to be scared of them if you're prepared. Wildfires can happen any minute to anyone in the United States, but there are ways to decrease your risk. The best way to keep yourself safe is to have wildfire evacuation supplies on hand so that you can evacuate at a moment's notice.

Here's a list of things you need to prepare for a wildfire:

Emergency kit - You should always have an emergency kit with your essentials on hand in case there's a natural disaster around your area. This will make it easier for you to get out of harm's way and start over again without losing anything important. It should include clothes, a water purifier, batteries, cash, medicine, and non-perishable food.

Gather essential documents - It's also best to gather crucial documents in case of emergency so you can easily retrieve them later on. The list should include IDs, birth certificates, and social security cards. You should always keep these items in a waterproof sealable bag or a watertight box. You can also include a map of the area, which you should note where the evacuation centers are located.

Pets - If your pets aren't allowed at emergency shelters, it's best to evacuate them along with you. Take time to pack up their most essential items and have a leash ready so they won't run away in fear.

Prescriptions - If you have medications, make sure to keep them in your emergency kit. This way, if the pharmacies near you are closed when the fire is too close for comfort, you can still get your medication.

Flashlight and batteries - Keeping a flashlight with extra batteries ready is always a good idea. This way, you'll be able to see in the dark if there's an outage. If you're not home when the fire is happening, this will help you during your evacuation.

Wear protective clothing - Make sure that everyone in your family or group wears long pants and long-sleeve shirts so that you can protect your skin from the blaze.

Better yet, choose a high ground - If possible, it's best to evacuate to higher ground so that the heat and smoke won't be as close to you. You'll have a better view of what's going on around you, and you'll also know if there are areas where there are firebreaks.

What to Do If You Can't Evacuate and Get Trapped at Home

It would help if you always tried to evacuate. If you can't, take shelter in your home and prepare for an extended stay. Have an evacuation plan in place before wildfires threaten local communities. Learn how to protect your home, family, and pets from the threats of wildfire smoke; this includes knowing if it's safe to remain inside or leave (see information on evacuation and shelter-in-place, above).

Be ready with a list of potential exit routes from your neighborhood. This will help you decide the best way to take if you drive or walk away from your home ahead of a wildfire. If you choose to stay in your home, take these precautions:

1. Close all windows and doors to prevent smoke from getting inside;
2. If possible, seal off the attic and basement with damp towels or wet sheets to protect against heavy smoke. Otherwise, stay low in a central part of the house (avoid attics and basements). Seal off all doors and windows except those that directly face a fire. Keep your pets near you, and keep away from windows;
3. Have plenty of drinking water (one gallon per person per day for at least five days);
4. Have on hand clean, sturdy batteries for your radio or television;
5. If the power is off, have a fire extinguisher and smoke masks readily available in case you need to cover doorways with plastic to keep smoke out;
6. If you have a working telephone, use it sparingly (you only need one active phone line to make emergency calls). Make sure your family knows how to reach you and where you will meet if separated;
7. Listen for updated emergency information on your battery-operated radio or other local emergency broadcasts. Evacuation Areas:

In case of a wildfire evacuation, you should have your emergency kit ready to go. This includes all the essentials for survival such as water, food rations, first-aid supplies, etc. Pack these items in one bag that will be easy to grab when you need it! TIP: You can choose a bag with shoulder straps to carry your items more quickly.

At survival box, we are committed to providing you with all the essentials you need in an emergency. It is essential to dump everything that may obstruct your way out of a dangerous area and prevent possible injuries, especially for kids. If you have pets, they also have to be prepared for driving with at least one week's worth of food and water.

So, what should you prepare in case of a wildfire evacuation? Get Survival Box monthly themed box to be on the go in case of wildfire evacuation.