How to prepare for wildfire evacuations
Amid dangerous winds and elevated fire risk, officials are advising residents to prepare for any emergency.
A fire can happen in an instant and spread quickly, often doubling in size within seconds, meaning there is little time to react once a fire starts; therefore, it's crucial to have a plan and act immediately if you detect a fire.
Officials say even though the resources are there, getting people to listen can be difficult.
“Events like [the Disaster Preparedness Expo] are critical but what we need is more people to take it seriously and actually attend... Be prepared because if you’re not, you become a liability. Disasters are bad enough when you have plans so you owe it to yourself, to your family, to your friends to be prepared.”
Carla Sullivan-Dilley, CVDPN
Here are some important steps for preparing evacuation plans:
- Pack you 'Go Bag' or emergency kit, ready to grab:
- Water & non-perishable food
- Necessary prescriptions or medications
- A change of clothes & extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
- A first aid kit & sanitation supplies
- A flashlight & battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
- Set a predetermined meeting location outside high-risk areas
- Plan escape routes
- Create a family communication plan
Being ready and prepared can also be a huge favor for first responders.
“They’ve got to do their job rather than try to save you. If you can save yourself then you’ve done them a big favor and they can help someone who can’t help themself.”
Mitch Brown, Rancho Mirage Emergency Preparedness Commission
See below for a list of resources:
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.
