SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4 Utah) – The American Red Cross of Utah is urging residents to prepare now for wildfires. Wildfire season can strike without warning, making preparation essential. Start by creating an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents. Plan multiple evacuation routes and ensure all family members are familiar with them. Clear your yard of debris and flammable materials and stay informed about local fire conditions. Taking these steps now can help safeguard your home and loved ones when every second counts.

The American Red Cross of Utah also encourages everyone to check or update their emergency kits. Be sure to have one for the car, one for the home, and a “go kit” ready for quick evacuations.

Wildfires are a growing threat that can put lives and communities at great risk. They spread fast, becoming larger and more destructive as more people live in wildfire-prone areas. However, there are steps we can take to prepare and protect both ourselves and our communities. Here are some key steps to consider:

What Should You Do Before a Wildfire Starts?

• Be ready to evacuate quickly:
  • Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay.
  • Plan multiple escape routes from your home and community.
  • Practice these routes with everyone in your household.
  • Stay informed about how your community plans to respond to a wildfire.

Gather Emergency Supplies

• Prepare a Go-Kit:
  • Include three days’ worth of food, water, and necessities that you can easily carry.
• Prepare a Stay-at-Home Kit:
  • Stock up on two weeks’ worth of supplies in case you need to shelter in place.
  • Store a one-month supply of medication in a child-proof container.
• Keep vital records secure:
  • Organize personal, financial, and medical documents to protect them in case of an emergency.

Plan to Stay Connected

• Receive emergency alerts:
  • Sign up for free notifications from your local government.
• Prepare for power outages:
  • Have a backup battery or way to charge your cell phone.
  • Keep a battery-powered radio for important updates.
• Monitor conditions:
  • Stay aware of weather and fire activity in your area.

Learn Emergency Skills

• Gain essential life-saving skills:
  • Learn First Aid and CPR to assist in emergencies.
• Plan for power disruptions:
  • Be ready to live without electricity, including managing needs like medical equipment and charging devices.

Preparing your home for wildfire season is crucial to reducing its vulnerability to potential fires. By creating defensible space, using fire-resistant materials, and practicing smart landscaping, you can significantly lower the risk of damage. Here are some key steps to help you get started:

Creating a Defensible Space

• Clear a 30-foot buffer: Remove leaves, debris, and flammable materials around your home.
• Thin and maintain vegetation: Space out plants, remove low-hanging branches, and water vegetation regularly within 30-100 feet of your home.
• Relocate flammable items: Move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammables at least 30 feet away from your house.
• Use gravel or stone mulch: Replace organic mulch within five feet of your home with non-combustible materials.

Use Fire-Resistant Materials

• Choose fire-resistant building options: Use materials like concrete, stucco, fiber-cement siding, or brick during construction or renovations.
• Install fire-rated roofing: Opt for materials specifically designed to resist fire.
• Upgrade windows: Use double-paned or dual-paned options to better withstand heat and flames.
• Protect vents and eaves: Install 1/8-inch wire mesh over vents and box in open eaves with fire-resistant materials.

Maintain Smart Landscaping

• Clear debris: Regularly clean your roof and gutters to remove flammable materials.
• Prune trees: Trim tree limbs up to 15 feet to prevent fire spread into the canopy.
• Space plants wisely: Keep shrubs and vegetation at least 15 feet apart to reduce fuel for fires.
• Keep grass short: Regularly mow lawns and native grasses to a height of four inches or less.

Each home should also have an Emergency Go Kit. A “go kit” is typically a more comprehensive emergency kit designed to be grabbed quickly and taken with you when evacuating from your home or workplace, including essential items like food, water, medications, and important documents, while a car emergency kit focuses on supplies specifically needed if you get stranded in your car, like jumper cables, flares, a blanket and basic first aid items.

An emergency “go kit or go bag” should include supplies for food, water, shelter, safety, and communication:

• Food and Water Supplies: Prepare a 3-day supply of non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruits, that can be easily consumed without cooking. Ensure you have one gallon of water per person per day, not only for drinking but also for basic hygiene needs.
• Shelter Essentials: Carry materials like plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape to create a temporary shelter or to cover broken windows. These items are crucial for protection against harsh weather or to secure a damaged home environment.
• Safety Tools: Include a whistle to attract attention in case you need to signal for help, a dust mask to protect against debris and dust, and a multi-purpose tool for various emergency repairs or adjustments.
• Communication Devices: Ensure you have a fully charged cell phone with its chargers, and a portable battery bank to keep it running. A NOAA Weather Radio is also vital for receiving updates and alerts about the situation, especially if cellular networks are down.
• Personal Items: Pack a small first aid kit with necessary supplies, along with personal toiletries for hygiene. Include a change of clothes and sensible shoes that are comfortable and durable for walking or extended wear.
• Important Documents: Keep copies of essential documents such as insurance cards, medical cards, contact lists, identification, and certificates like marriage and birth records. A list of medications is also important if you need replacements.
• Additional Supplies: A flashlight with extra batteries is crucial for navigating in the dark, while a notepad, pen, pencil, and marker are useful for jotting down important information. Local street maps can help if GPS isn’t available, and having spare keys for your home and vehicle can save time and stress if the originals are lost. It’s also wise to include some cash, as electronic payment systems might be unavailable during emergencies.

Prepare a car emergency kit that contains tools and equipment that are specific to your vehicle and can assist you at the point of breakdown or with a flat tire, dead battery and minor mechanical repairs. Check the Emergency Car Kit before heading out of town to make sure its stocked. Some items to consider:

• Food and Water Supplies: Ensure you have enough food and water for each family member. Stock up on non-perishable items such as packaged granola bars, canned goods, and snacks that are easy to store and consume. It’s crucial to include enough water for drinking and sanitation, ideally a gallon per person per day for at least three days.
• Comprehensive First-Aid Kit: Prepare a well-stocked first-aid kit with essentials like antiseptic wipes to clean wounds, a variety of bandages and gauze for cuts or injuries, and hand sanitizer to maintain hygiene in emergency situations. Include any necessary medications or medical supplies your family might need.
• Warmth and Protection Gear: Equip each family member with warming items to combat cold conditions. Emergency blankets, which are compact and heat-retentive, along with hand warmers and rain ponchos, can be lifesavers in harsh weather.
• Emergency Communication Tools: Be prepared to stay informed and connected with emergency alert items. A reliable flashlight and light sticks provide illumination in the dark, while a hand-held radio keeps you updated with news and alerts. A portable phone charger ensures your devices remain functional when you need them most.
• Essential Car Maintenance Tools: Keep your vehicle in working order with car care items. A portable battery jump-starter can bring a dead battery back to life, while a foldable shovel is useful for clearing snow or debris. Ensure you have a spare tire and the necessary tools to change it, reducing the risk of being stranded.

When checking your Car Emergency Kit, it’s a good time to download Red Cross apps that provide information in times of emergency and crisis.

• The Red Cross Emergency app provides real-time weather alerts, shelter information and disaster advice.
• The Red Cross First Aid app offers guidance on handling common injuries and steps for serious situations like performing CPR.
• All apps are compatible with smartphones and wearable devices. Search for “American Red Cross” in app stores or visit redcross.org/apps.