Preparing for Wildfires
Take steps now to preparepdf iconexternal icon [PDF-205 KB] for wildfires. More and more people make their homes in areas that are prone to wildfires. You can take steps to be readyexternal icon for a wildfire and prepare your home and landscapingexternal icon to reduce your risk from a wildfire.
Know your community’s evacuation plans.
- Find several ways to leave your area.
- Drive the evacuation routes and find shelter locations.
- Have a plan for petspdf iconexternal icon [PDF-368 KB] and livestockpdf iconexternal icon [PDF-378 KB].
Gather emergency supplies, such as respiratorspdf iconexternal icon [PDF-329 KB].
- A respirator filters out smoke or ash before you can breathe it in. Respirators are not made to fit children.
- Remember the needs of childrenpdf iconexternal icon [PDF-497 KB], pregnant women, and individuals with medical conditions like asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or heart disease.
Plan to keep wildfire smoke outside.
View a full-sized imagepdf icon [PDF – 345 KB] of the Be Ready: Wildfires Infographic. Share it on social media or print it out to post in your office, school, or home.
- Choose a roomexternal icon you can close off from outside air.
- Set up a portable air cleaner or a filterexternal icon to keep the air in this room cleaner even when it’s smoky outdoors or in the rest of your home.
Keep track of fires near you so you can be ready.
- AirNow’s “Fires: Current Conditions pageexternal icon” has a map of fires throughout North America.
- NOAA’s “Fire weather outlookexternal icon” page maps fire watches and warnings.
- Listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for emergency alerts.
Page last reviewed: January 14, 2021