By Evelyn Fu
Wildfires may happen at the most random times due to climate change. Your house may catch on fire because you forgot to turn off the stove, or a tree on a nearby mountain might get struck by lightning. It is always best to be prepared. Before packing a mountain of unnecessary things, here are some tips to prepare you for a fire:
1. Install a smoke alarm. Smoke detectors are handy because they warn you before you can smell the smoke, giving you more time to evacuate. You should install one alarm on each floor of your house; inside or directly outside of each bedroom, common areas, laundry rooms and kitchens.
2. Make an emergency kit. An emergency kit is essential for the short-term survival of your family for unanticipated emergencies. Make sure to place your kit in a location everyone in your household knows.
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- face masks, hand sanitizer
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- three days supply of non-perishable food
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- three gallons of water (per person)
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- evacuation routes
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- medications & first aid kit
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- clothes, glasses, sanitation supplies
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- extra set of car keys, credit cards, and cash/checks
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- flashlight & battery powered radio (bring extra batteries)
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- copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
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- pet food and water (if it applies)
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- easily carried items (phone charger, family photos, etc.)
3. Purchase fire insurance. It is a form of property insurance that covers damage and losses caused by fire. Record all items that were destroyed by the fire, take photos, write the costs of the items, and keep receipts.
4. Find more tips at: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/go-evacuation-guide/pre-evacuation-preparation-steps/