Living in a high risk forest fire area presents a number of challenges. For one, there is a concern that the fire will spread to your home or prevent you from reaching a bigger city. While this thought is unlikely, there are still health risks associated with prolonged inhalation of smoke.
If you have recently moved to a high risk area, here are some key points to keep in mind.
1. A disaster supply kit
Create a disaster relief kit to hold items. Use an airtight plastic bag or put your belongings in easy-to-carry duffel bags or plastic containers. Make sure they are in a location that is likely to be safe from fire or easily accessible. For example, if you spend a lot of time in the living room, place a supply set under your couch or in a nearby closet. Keep water, groceries, extra batteries, a pipe, a twilight chore, a manual can opener, a local map, a cell phone charger, and toiletries. There are other items to keep in your supply kit that will be expanded upon below.
2. Have an air purifier ready
It is difficult to remove smoke from your home when there is a fire burning outside because opening a window creates more smoke smoke. An air purifier can remove devastating smoke from your home if it creeps in with the windows closed. The best air purifiers have HEPA filters to reduce the concentration of particles and are better able to force air and trap lousy air. Some air purifiers have multiple speed settings while others are quiet and environmentally friendly. Choose an air purifier that is the size of your room or home to maximize its use.
3. First aid kit
A disaster preparedness kit contains exactly what you need during a fire. However, you should also prepare if someone is injured or needs emergency medical care. The Red Cross website has a comprehensive list of the items included in your kit, such as emergency blankets, duct tape, sterile gauze pads, and bandages. Some items overlap, like a flashlight or extra batteries, but it never hurts to have more than one of them.
4. Battery operated winch radio
A hand crank radio is a must have for any disaster kit as it will help you stay informed of the spread of wildfire or when help is on the way. The local news can also help you prepare for forest fires to spread by providing advice on protecting your home, including your lawn and roof, should the fires worsen. Choose a radio that doesn't necessarily need a battery, but has the option of one and can be charged with solar energy. It is better to find a radio that can act as multiple disaster objects at the same time, e.g. B. a flashlight, a charger for mobile phones and an SOS flashing light.
5. Flashlight or candles
ON flashlight is a key benefit during a power outage and can help you orientate yourself by your location and your neighbors' quadrants. Shaking a flashlight in the dark can tell rescue workers where you are. However, it is important that you choose a flashlight with a long-life battery or a hand crank. Blackout warning lights are also helpful in times of crisis. Keep several small, keychain-sized flashlights in easy-to-reach places so that in the event of a power outage you can find one in the dark so you are safe no matter where you are in your home.
6. Plastic wrap and tape
Tape is a great tool for protecting your home as it can seal gaps and small cracks that smoke can enter. In extreme situations, tape can seal entire rooms. It is best, however, to glue on windows, doors and vents so that you can break through and escape if necessary. Use plastic wrap to create protection around the windows, doors, or vents for extra protection. As an extra precaution, you can also create a small plastic dome around your family.
