Wildfire evacuation 101: 5 things to do before you are told to leave
Fast-moving wildfires continue to threaten communities across California and the Pacific Northwest. Here's what you need to do.
Wildfire evacuation in the western United States requires preparation long before official evacuation orders are issued. Former FEMA official Josh Dozor advises residents to take proactive steps to ensure safety during dangerous wildfire seasons.
1. Create a family evacuation plan detailing how to escape, reunite if separated, and communicate with loved ones. 2. Pack a grab bag with essential documents, medications, cash, clothing, chargers, water, and pet supplies, ready for immediate departure. 3. Keep your phone charged to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts about changing wildfire conditions.
4. Secure your home by closing windows, moving flammable curtains away, shutting off gas valves, and running air conditioning on recirculation to avoid smoke inhalation. 5. Identify multiple evacuation routes, as mountain communities often have limited escape paths that can become blocked by fire.
Dozor emphasizes the importance of not delaying evacuation even after an alert is issued, as the timing depends on various factors. He warns against misconceptions that ample time exists to evacuate after receiving an order.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
