Stay Safe During a Wildfire #OKfire

With several active wildfires affecting the Pacific Northwest and the Western United States, it is important to know how to stay safe with information and resources from Prepareathon™. Wildfires can happen anywhere in the country and at any time of year. If you see a wildfire approaching, call 911 to report the fire. Do not assume that someone else reported it. Follow these tips from Prepareathon’s How to Prepare for a Wildfire Guide: If ordered to evacuate: Leave immediately. Help firefighters, if there is time before you leave. Some of the things to help include closing up the house and leaving lights on for visibility, as well as moving flammable materials to the center of the home, away from windows. You can also leave hoses connected to a water source, so they are available for the fire department. Text SHELTER and your ZIP code (e.g., SHELTER 20472) to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area. Follow local media for more information on shelters. Download the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) for disaster resources including directions to open shelters. If trapped in your home: If you cannot get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with a cloth to keep smoke out. Crawl on the floor if there is smoke – the air is cleaner.  Crawl to a door and touch it with your hand.  If the door is hot, do not open it. Call 911 and provide your location. Keep doors, windows, vents, and fire screens closed. Keep your doors unlocked. Move flammable materials (e.g., curtains, furniture) away from windows and sliding glass doors. Fill sinks and tubs with water to assist in dousing small smoldering fires, which may pop up. Stay inside, away from outside walls and windows. Remember: Get low and go! If you hear a smoke alarm, get out fast! For more information on how to prepare for, stay safe during and recover from a wildfire, review Prepareathon’s How to Prepare for a Wildfire guide, or got to:  www.usfa.fema.gov/wui_toolkit or watch the When the Fire Starts video.