Full Text
WASHINGTON MILITARY DEPARTMENT Emergency Management Division Camp Murray, WA 98430-5122 Web site: www.emd.wa.gov [PHONE REDACTED]; (800) 562-6108 PO Box 47890 Olympia, WA 98504-7890 Web site: www.doh.wa.gov [PHONE REDACTED]; (800) 525-0127 What to do before a wildfire ■ Have an evacuation plan. You may need to leave your home to go to a safe place. Know where you are going and the possible routes to get there. ■ Designate a “safety zone” in case all evacuation routes are burning. ■ If you have special physical or medical needs, be sure to have an ample supply of medication and supplies to take with you if you evacuate. People with heart and lung diseases must be especially careful around wood smoke. Discuss your emergency plans with your medical provider. ■ Make emergency plans for your pets and livestock. ■ Family members should have an out- of-area contact they can call to let them know they are OK when they are separated. Prepare wallet cards with the contactʼs information. ■ Put together a 72-hour emergency supply kit. Include water, food, protective clothing-sturdy shoes, cotton or wool clothing, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, gloves and a handkerchief. Store in easy- to-carry packs. ■ Store copies of your vital records and lists/photos/videotapes of valuable items in a safety deposit box. Be certain to include updated insurance policies. ■ Identify local radio and television stations. They will have the latest information about fires in your area. ■ Prepare your home for a wildfire. Clearly mark all driveways with names/addresses. Remove firewood, shrubs and other combustibles away from the home. Call your local fire, forestry, natural resources office or go to www.firewise.org for more ideas on home design and landscaping. ■ Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety and working together during a wildfire. Wildfires Forest fires and wildfires threaten lives and destroy homes and natural resources. You can take action now that can help save lives and help prevent or reduce damage caused by wildfires. ■ Always call your local fire department before burning. Be careful when cooking outdoors or using gas-powered equipment on dry, windy days. When wildfire threatens ■ Remain calm. Listen to the radio and television for fire reports and evacuation information. Follow the advice given by authorities. (However, if you feel threatened, do not wait to leave.) ■ Phone/tell your family and friends you may need to evacuate and let them know where you are going. Use your out-of-area contact card. ■ Pre-load your car with emergency supplies, vital records and other valuables. Face your vehicle in the direction of escape. Keep pets confined nearby. ■ Put on protective clothing to protect your, body, face and lungs. ■ Prepare a note to post at you home that tells when you left and where you are going. ■ Set up a ladder, garden hoses and sprinklers on the roof. To conserve water–wait until the embers start falling. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately ■ If there is time—close all windows, vents, doors and remove light-weight curtains. Shut off gas utilities. ■ Turn on homeʼs lights. ■ Post your prepared note on main entrance. ■ Lock your doors. ■ Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for other traffic, emergency vehicles. Drive with your lights on and leave room for emergency vehicles. ■ If your evacuation route(s) are burning— go to your designated “safety zone.” ■ Do not attempt to re-enter the area until firefighters have declared it safe.