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Wildfires are unpredictable; they can flare quickly and change directions with the wind. If you live in an area threatened by wildfires, you may want to keep this Wildfire Safety Action Guide nearby. It outlines wildfire safety tips to help you protect your home and family before, during and after a wildfire.
Here’s what to do before, during and after.
If you spot a wildfire near your home, call 911. If you’ve been ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. If you have not been directed to leave, here are some defensive steps you can take, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Before:
- Close doors, windows, shutters, vents and eaves, but leave windows and doors unlocked in case firefighters need to enter quickly. Close the fireplace screen but leave the damper open.
- Move furniture away from windows and doors into the interior of your home.
- Turn off all gas, propane and oil supplies.
- Collect items of value and documents and keep them in your car.
- Park your car close. Shut doors and windows and keep a spare key hidden nearby, in case you need to leave quickly.
- Make sure your garden hose is connected and working. Fill all available pools, garbage cans or large tubs with water and place them around your home.
During:
- Monitor wildfire reports and leave immediately if conditions change in your area.
After:
- Re-enter your property only after being instructed to do so.
- If your home sustained damage, look for fallen power lines or leaking fuel sources, as they could be dangerous.
- Keep listening to your radio to stay up to date on the latest information.
We are ready to help if your home has been damaged by a wildfire. Call us for claims assistance.
- "During." Wildfires. Federal Emergency Management Agency. N.d., Web. 03 June 2020. http://www.ready.gov/wildfires (Opens in a new tab).
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This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites that may be linked in this article. This article does not afford, offer, or guarantee any coverage.
Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. is not licensed in New York state. Insurance products are not obtained through the Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. in New York. Costco Wholesale, Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not underwrite insurance, pay claims or guarantee any of the products or services. Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agent, may receive compensation.
This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites that may be linked in this article. This article does not afford, offer, or guarantee any coverage.