Texas Wildfires

As recent Texas wildfires roared out of control destroying over 1,000 homes and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate, those of us who were not immediately threatened by the flames looked on in horror as firefighters did everything they could to prevent loss of life and property.  Despite their heroic efforts, thousands were still affected by this disaster. 

Wildfires can occur anywhere certain conditions prevail.  Such conditions include weather patterns involving high temperatures, high winds and the prolonged lack of rain; the prevalence of dry grasses, brush, and other fuels; and a catalyst to ignite the flames.  In Central Texas, months of drought created an extremely dry terrain and the abundance of fuel.  All that was needed for disaster to strike was a spark.  That spark came when Tropical Storm Lee bypassed Texas with much needed moisture but sent high winds inland downing power lines in critically dry areas.  Fires were also started by residents barbecuing over the Labor Day weekend and by other human activities such as welding.  In all, nearly 180 fires have burned throughout Texas scorching over 170,000 acres.

Events like this remind us of the awesome power of nature and the destructive force that can be unleashed when a natural disaster strikes.  Once disaster occurs the time to prepare is past.  That’s why it is essential that we prepare ourselves before disaster strikes.  We may not be able to prevent loss, but we can minimize the effect that a disaster can have upon us and our loved ones by taking steps today to prepare ourselves for unexpected events.  

To prepare for wildfires, as with any disaster, you should have the following on hand and ready to take with you at a moment’s notice:

• Three day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
• Three day supply of easy to prepare, nonperishable food.
• Flashlight
• Battery ­powered or hand­ crank (dynamo powered) radio.
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Seven ­day supply of medication or other needed medical items
• Multi­purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal and legal documents including birth certificates, insurance policies, wills, deeds, etc.
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blankets
• Maps of the area
• Other essential items that could not be replaced if they were destroyed

Several kits are available that can help you prepare, or you can make your own.  The important thing is that you prepare today, don’t procrastinate.

The American Red Cross suggests several other important things you can do before, during and after a wildfire to prepare for, react to, and recover from it.  The following is a partial list to consider (for a full Red Cross Wildfire Checklist visit the American Red Cross website or download a pdf version for free):

Before:

• Identify and maintain an adequate water source outside your home, such as a small pond, cistern, well or swimming pool.
• Set aside household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, ax, hand saw or chain saw, bucket and shovel. You may need to fight small fires before emergency responders arrive.
• Select building materials and plants that resist fire.
• Regularly clean roofs and gutters.
• Plan and practice two ways out of your neighborhood in case your primary route is blocked.
• Select a place for family members to meet outside your neighborhood in case you cannot get home or need to evacuate.

During:

• Identify and maintain an adequate water source outside your home, such as a small pond, cistern, well or swimming pool.
• Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
• Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.
• Always back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
• Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car.  If you do not have air conditioning and it is too hot to stay inside with closed windows, seek shelter elsewhere.
• When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves. Do not vacuum because it stirs up particles that are already inside your home.

After:

• Do not enter your home until fire officials say it is safe.
• Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up without warning.
• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles and downed wires.
• Watch for ash pits and mark them for safety—warn family and neighbors to keep clear of the pits also.
• Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and safe use of masks.
• Wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.
• Wear leather gloves and heavy soled shoes to protect hands and feet.