Wildfire sits among the most devastating natural disasters that could damage homes and other infrastructures. Some people even had to flee from their homes, and when they returned, there would be nothing left to recover. Fortunately, you can take measures so you remain prepared during such time that wildfires will make their way into your home.
What to Do During a Wildfire
Let's get to the basics first. It is crucial to remain updated about certain emergencies transpiring in your area.
Always listen to your emergency officials - if they say you should evacuate, do it.
But there are times that news won't reach you.
While in a Vehicle
So If you're in a vehicle, stay calm. Search the area, see if there are places clear of vegetation, and park your car.
Keep in mind that wildfire smokes are harmful, so it would be best to close all windows and vents. If you have a blanket, jacket, or any likes, cover it around you and lie on the floor of your car. That's when you will use your phone to ask for help.
While on Foot
If you don't own a vehicle and happen to come across a wildfire, try to relax first. Similarly, go to any area clear of vegetation; long as it's on ground level.
Remember to lie face down before covering your body. Once already situated, use your phone to seek help.
While in Your Home
Most of the time, however, we're just in the comforts of our home. When this happens, calm yourself and your family before gathering them together.
Unlike the past instructions, notify the authorities first of your location.
Next is to fill every tub and sink with cold water and keep the doors and windows locked. But, do not lock them to avoid being trapped.
Remember to keep yourself away from windows and walls. Remain inside your house until officials arrive.
How to Prepare for Wildfire With These Three Apps
Besides doing the steps above, there are additional ways to boost your wildfire preparedness.
Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety or IHBS's lead research meteorologist, Dr. Ian Giammanco said, "It's always great to prepare before we get to the heart of what we consider our seasons of bad that comes with these things."
IBHS suggests using these three apps to help you prepare your family and home for potential forest fires.
For starters, you can use Wildfire Ready Virtual, available for both Android and Apple devices.
The application utilizes augmented reality to share some advice on how to improve your home and landscape design so you can lessen the risk of forest fire reaching your homestead.
The second one is called FEMA mobile app, which will guide you on how to prepare for a wildfire, what to do and how to stay safe during a wildfire, and what to do after the disaster ends.
Finally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC, has its home inventory app to let you make a list of all your belongings before a forest fire strikes. This way, it'll make it easier to account for damaged items and file insurance claims in just a click.
While doing the basic preparations, adding these applications to your preparedness checklist will pave the way for better disaster management.
"Take that action now. It'll help reduce the anxiety and it'll help you get involved in preparing," Dr. Giammanco said.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Thea Felicity
