Be Wildfire Ready
The possibility of wildfire now goes hand-in-hand with summer. And while the PNW’s profusion of woods is a treasure, it also ups our risk.
Wildfires can behave unpredictably and move quickly, and our best defense is to be prepared.
The first step: sign up for alerts via the OR-Alert website: oralert.gov, for lifesaving info and instructions. This to stay apprised of impending threats, and for steps to take as needed. Make sure “Emergency Alerts” settings on your phone are ON.
Prepare Your Go Bag +
Everyone should have a go bag, stocked and ready to grab and go. The bag itself should be light and easy to manage. A roller bag can be ideal, thanks to lightweight options, extendable handles, wheels, and interior pockets/sleeves.
What’s inside
Include supplies needed to survive for 72 hours. It may feel like a hassle or expensive, but the payoff of peace of mind and preparedness should an emergency arise is priceless.
When packing, think water, food, first aid/medications, hygiene:
- 3-day supply of food (pets too)
- 3 gallons of water per person
- Comfortable, sturdy shoes
- Extra keys & cash
- Map of evac routes
- Toilet paper, hand sanitizer
- Prescriptions, 1st aid kit, N95 Masks
- Change of clothes
- Flashlight, batteries; phone, charger
- Copies of valuable documents (passports, birth certificates)
- Garbage bags
Once your bag is go ready, plan what to do and where to go in case of evacuation.
Protective Measures
There are many ways to help prevent wildfires and to protect our property in the event one occurs.
A good first step is to create a defensible space. This is a buffer space around your home, cleared of flammable materials including tall grass, trees, and combustible yard debris, firewood, and patio furniture. This defensible space can slow or stop the spread of wildfire, including mitigating threats from embers and firebrands that can travel from several miles away.
For a Defensible Space Checklist from the Oregon State Fire Marshall, visit oregon.gov › osfm › Documents › Defensible Space Checklist.
Prevention
We also all have a part in preventing wildfires. The leading causes for Oregon wildfires in 2023 were escaped burning debris and equipment use.
Before burning yard debris or a bonfire, check with your local fire agency for allowed burn times. Keep the fire small (4’ wide/tall max) surrounded by a 10’ radius of bare mineral soil. DON’T burn trash. A burn pile should contain yard debris only. DON’T Start fires with gasoline, use natural materials only. Keep water and a shovel nearby and douse ashes in a metal 1-gallon pail overnight.
Should Wildfire Occur
Know the evac levels. Oregon’s 3-level evacuation notification system is designed to keep us safe. (See graphic).
Kristan Dael
50plus Magazine