Wildfire Wisdom: Preventing Loss and Damage

During a wildfire: real-time advice

Preparation well in advance of a wildfire is key – and luckily there is also a lot you can do when a fire is predicted.

When you learn your area is affected:

• Monitor the wildfire’s progress through local fire agencies.
• Pay attention to road closures.
• Double-check your emergency kit and ensure you have enough food and water for at least 72 hours (3 days).
• Pack your vehicle with the emergency kit, irreplaceable valuables, and key documents. Park your vehicle so it is facing out of the driveway, and keep all windows closed. Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel.
• Have cash on hand in case you are unable to use credit or debit services or ATMs.
• If you have propane tanks or natural gas, turn off the lines. Move any propane barbecues into the open and away from buildings.
• Move combustible furniture and other firewood away from the house. If there is time, remove combustible debris, twigs, and branches to 8 metres (25 feet) away from longer grass and 60 metres (200 feet) from any treed areas.
• As smoke builds in the area, close all windows and doors. If possible, cover vents, windows, and other openings of the house with duct tape or precut pieces of plywood to reduce the potential damage.
• Use inside and outside lights to make your house more visible.
• If you do not have a vehicle, make advance plans with a friend, neighbour, or family member in case you need to leave the area quickly.

When on alert or stand-by to evacuate:

• If you have a ladder, leaving it in front of the house may assist firefighters to access the roof.
• Have your family and pets ready to leave at a moment’s notice, but do not leave the home unless an evacuation has been ordered, or if absolutely necessary.
• Turn off services such as fuel and gas, and non-essential electrical systems. Leave on the utilities needed for fire protection, such as water pumps and waterlines.
• Close and seal any openings such as air intake fans that may bring smoke or embers into the home.
• Stay up to date on road closures and plan multiple evacuation routes. Download offline maps to your device or have paper maps in your car in case cellular service is disrupted.
• Notify an emergency contact of your plans to leave, where you are headed, and when you will check in with them.

When an order of evacuation is issued:

• Leave immediately.
• Follow the direction from authorities on which routes to use.
• Be patient and calm as traffic may be heavy with others evacuating.

After the smoke clears

Losing a home or experiencing severe damage can be devastating – and even if you manage to avoid property loss, evacuating is a traumatic experience. Your community may have experienced damage that will take time to rebuild. Roads may have debris, trees may be down, and traffic lights may not be working.

It is important to stay calm while you await approval from authorities to return to your home. When you receive clearance to go back, remember the following:

• If power lines are down, stay at least 10 metres (30 feet) clear of them as they may still be live. Do not drive over the downed lines.
• Limit phone calls to keep lines available for emergency services. Texting or messaging loved ones is a good option.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you are injured. Smoke inhalation can cause severe respiratory distress.
• If there has been any damage to your home, consult local authorities to ensure it is structurally safe before entering.