Wildfire Tips

From the American Red Cross
Posted July 18, 2014

The American Red Cross is responding to help people affected by wildfires in Washington and Oregon where thousands of acres are burning and residents are being forced to leave their homes. Red Cross workers are also helping people in Colorado where heavy rains have caused flash flooding.

More than 200 people took refuge overnight in Red Cross shelters in the three states after being ordered to evacuate. In Washington, several fires are burning and the Red Cross is providing shelter, meals for first responders and those affected, and distributing preparedness information on evacuation procedures, Red Cross safety apps and what to do around your property if threatened by fire.

In Colorado, the Red Cross has shelters open and is distributing cleaning supplies to help people impacted by the flooding.

Critical fire conditions are expected to continue in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Nevada. The Red Cross has steps residents of woodland settings should take if their community is threatened by these fires.

Living in beautiful woodland settings is very popular. However wildfires can be a real threat to residents of these areas. They often begin unnoticed. Lightning can be a source, as well as careless use of fire in highly wooded areas. These fires can spread rapidly through dry brush and trees. Drought and dry, windy conditions can increase the fire risk.

WILDFIRE SAFETY If your home is being threatened by a wildfire, make sure the entrance to your driveway and house number are clearly marked. Other safety steps include the following:

If a fire is burning in the area, be ready to evacuate quickly.

Back your car into the garage or park it out in the open facing the direction you need to go to escape.

If you have pets, keep them in one room so you know where they area if you have to evacuate.

Clean your roof and gutter on a regular basis.

Identify and maintain a water source outside your home such as a small pond, well or swimming pool.

Have items on hand that can be used as fire tools such as a rake, axe, hand saw or chain saw, bucket and shovel.

Plan and practice two ways out of your neighborhood in case one is blocked.

Select a place for members of your household to meet away from the house in case you can’t get home or are ordered to evacuate.

WILDFIRE APP You can also download the free Red Cross Wildfire App for preloaded content that lets users know what they should do before, during and after a wildfire.

FIRST AID APP Folks should also download the Red Cross First Aid app to have information on hand about how to handle the most common first aid emergencies.

Both apps are available for iPhone and Android devices.

Tags: Apps, Wildfire Safety 2014.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.