Wildfires are a serious threat to many areas across the country. By understanding the dangers of these natural disasters and what mistakes to avoid, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. Let’s take a look at the things you should never do during a wildfire so you can avoid these hazards and stay safe.
Don’t Wait To Take Action
In a wildfire, you never want to wait too long to take action. Therefore, being aware of safety recommendations is essential. Before a wildfire strikes, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with local or state-level recommendations on preparing for and reacting to such an event. This process may include creating family evacuation plans, preparing an emergency kit, and learning the safest routes out of your area in case you need to evacuate. Having a wildfire preparedness checklist is useful so you don’t forget anything. You should also stay informed about weather conditions, as the right conditions can fuel fires and spread them faster than expected.
Don’t Try To Put the Fire Out
Under no circumstances should you attempt to put out a wildfire yourself. Firefighting is a specialized skill, and trying to do it without proper training can be extremely dangerous. Instead, leave this task up to the experts trained to handle such situations safely and efficiently.
Don’t Go Near the Fire
Never enter an area that has been declared a fire zone, as doing so could put you at risk of serious injury or death. You should also avoid going anywhere near the path of the wildfire. Even if an area looks like it may be safe, flames can spread quickly and unpredictably under the right conditions.
Don’t Return Home Before the All-Clear
In the aftermath of a wildfire, waiting for the all-clear before returning home is essential. Though the immediate danger the fire posed may have passed, other long-term threats could remain. While some areas may look safe and clear from visible flames, there are often unseen dangers, such as smoldering embers or debris that could reignite. Additionally, smoke can significantly impact air quality, making it unsafe for people (and animals) to return until authorities deem it safe. Ultimately, even after a wildfire has been put out completely, potential risks still exist. Don’t risk your safety; instead, always follow instructions from the experts.
Now that you know what you should never do during a wildfire, you can avoid these costly mistakes. Follow proper safety precautions and have a wildfire safety plan in place to keep your family safe.
