Take steps to be prepared for wildfires

Catastrophic wildfires have become the new normal in recent years. At the time of this writing, devastating from the California fires continues. During events of this magnitude many feel paralyzed, helpless, and afraid.

What to do?
Learn all you can, do what you can, rely on trusted sources for information, and don’t spread misinformation.
Knowledge is power. Be extremely cautious of information learned via social media as it can often be rumor, misinformation, or outright lies. Fact-check any news that may impact you or others — practically, emotionally, or otherwise. An oft-repeated headline around the LA fires has been, “Don’t believe Everything You Read.” This is extremely important during a crisis.Following are FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), and tips about preventing and being informed about and prepared for wildfire.

Trusted News Sources
• Oregon Fire Marshal: Oregon.gov/ofsm
Note: Government websites end in “dot-gov” and can be relied upon for factual information.
• Oregon Public Broadcasting; Local News Stations

How to Help
During a recent press conference, California officials warned Los Angeles residents about a surge of scammers taking advantage of the crisis. During such crises, it is common for people to pose as “helping organizations,” seeking donations that will never be used as promised.
If you’d like to donate money, time, or goods to those affected by a crisis, seek out organizations vetted by trusted organizations. NBC News deems legitimate the following organizations supporting those affected by the LA fires:
• California Community Foundation
• California Fire Foundation
• L.A. Fire Department Foundation
• Pasadena Humane Society
• Ventura County Community Foundation
• American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy
• Direct Relief
• World Central Kitchen

Wildfire Prevention
While conditions such as weather (dryness, wind, lightning), elevate the risk of wildfire, so does human behavior. Following are basic tips on preventing wildfires. Find more at wildfire.oregon.gov.
• Think before you strike a match, flick a cigarette or use equipment that can cast sparks, and always have tools on hand to put a fire out.
• Call Before You Burn. Burning regulations can vary based on area, weather, and fuel conditions. Contact your city for current burning restrictions and/or whether a permit is required.
• Create a Defensible Space. Create a 30-foot perimeter of defensible space around your home — fire follows the fuel. Make sure your landscape is LEAN (plants are spaced apart), CLEAN (free of flammable debris), and GREEN (healthy and watered often).
The National Interagency Fire Center (nifc.gov) offers these additional tips:
• Keep roof surfaces, gutters, and vents of attic and crawl spaces clear.
• Dispose of stove, fireplace or barbecue ashes/briquettes only after soaking for 24 hours in a metal pail of water.
• Store gasoline/propane in approved safety cans/tanks away from occupied buildings.
• Keep away from structures combustibles such as firewood, picnic tables, boats, etc.
• Maintain two working entrance and exit doors/routes.
• Have fire tools handy: tall ladder, shovel, rake and water bucket.