Wildfire Season: Emergency Action Plan Checklist

by Adrian Dybwad

Every year the world experiences wildfires, and it is always a good idea to have a clear action plan. Be prepared in case unexpected situations arise by following this checklist. 

Evacuation plan

  • Have a designated emergency meeting point outside the fire area.
  • Recognize several different escape routes from your home.
  • Know the shelter locations.
  • Have an evacuation plan for pets and large animals .
  • Have a Go-Kit: 3 days of supplies that you can easily carry with you.

Emergency Supplies

  • Have a fire extinguisher close by and make sure family members know how to use it.
  • Have a portable radio or battery-powered radio.
  • Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
  • Maintain a list of emergency contact numbers (Digital and on paper).
  • Have N95 or P100 respirators. Follow EPA guidelines.

Prepare your home

  • Locate your home's gas, electric, and water main shut-off controls.
  • Designate a room you can close off from outside air (Has few windows and doors).
  • Set up a portable air cleaner to use in your designated room.
  • Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container.
  • Stay-at-Home Kit: 2 weeks of supplies if you need to stay at home.
  • Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe.

On your way out, follow the six Ps

  1. People and pets.
  2. Papers, phone numbers, and documents.
  3. Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses.
  4. Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia.
  5. Personal computer hard drive and disks.
  6. "Plastic" (Credit, ATM cards, cash).

Worried about air quality?

Monitor the Particulate Matter levels around the world with our free, real-time PurpleAir Map. or join PurpleAir's mission to make air quality data accessible to everyone by investing in an air quality monitor for your home. 

Together, we can be informed and make changes in our daily habits and the community to improve air quality.

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