• Fast Spread: Fires move rapidly across dry brush, forest, and grassland
• Unpredictable Winds: Can change fire direction in seconds
• Toxic Smoke: Wildfire smoke contains fine particulates that harm the lungs and heart
• Ember Storms: Flying embers ignite roofs, decks, or nearby materials—even without direct contact
• Infrastructure Collapse: Fires knock out power, cell towers, water pressure, and road access

📍 Who Is Most at Risk?

• Rural or forested communities
• Suburban areas near brush or undeveloped land
• Homes with wood siding, open vents, or debris-filled yards
• People with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions
• Elderly individuals, children, and pets

🧯 Before a Wildfire: Defend Your Home

• Create a 30-foot “defensible space” by removing flammable brush and debris
• Trim trees 10 feet from your roof and chimney
• Store firewood and propane at least 30 feet away
• Use ember-resistant vent covers and fire-rated roofing
• Keep hoses connected and ready with backup water storage
• Make a “go-bag” for each family member with respirators, ID, clothes, and meds

🎒 Wildfire Evacuation Kit Essentials

• N95 or P100 masks (regular masks don’t stop smoke particulates)
• Goggles and long-sleeve, natural fiber clothing
• Emergency radio + extra batteries
• Maps with marked evacuation routes
• First aid kit, allergy medications, inhalers
• Phone charger and power bank
• Copies of ID, insurance, house photos (for claims)
• Pet carrier, leash, food, and water for 3–5 days
• 3–7 days of food and drinking water per person

🚗 Evacuate or Shelter in Place?

🏃‍♂️ Evacuate If:

• An evacuation order is issued
• Smoke is thick and visibility is dropping
• You live in or near a fire zone or wind corridor
• Flames or embers are visible—even in the distance

🏠 Shelter In Place Only If:

• You are fully fire-prepped with a defendable home
• You are told it’s too late to evacuate and the roads are unsafe
• You have multiple escape exits and emergency protection inside (e.g., fire blankets, masks, sealed rooms)

⏳ How long may you be displaced?
Anywhere from 3 days to several weeks, depending on fire activity, air quality, and structural damage.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Wildfire Survival Tips

• Make evacuation a drill, not a decision—practice yearly
• Assign roles: who grabs kids, pets, documents, and go-bags
• Always keep your gas tank above ¾ full during fire season
• Don’t rely only on official alerts—trust your instincts if conditions change
• Keep a window marker or door sign to indicate the home has been evacuated

✅ Government Wildfire Resources

• Ready.gov – Wildfires
• U.S. Fire Administration – Wildfire Safety
• Canadian Wildfire Safety Guide
• FireSmart Canada – Home Prep