Practical Safety Tip

Safety Planning: Wildfire Season Goes Wild

Normally, my practical tips are published every Monday. However, in light of current circumstances some of you may not be able to wait until Monday for this critical guidance. And, I may not be available by Monday to get the word out.

Holy heck, the universe is throwing so much at us in 2020 that it’s hard to keep up with all the precautions, emotional band aids, and focused decision-making. 

Wildfire safety measures Image from wildfire.oregon.gov and Oregon State Fire Marshall

I surely don’t have all the answers. In fact, I have very few which is why I’m relying on the expertise of others for guidance. As I type this tip, my house is eerily dark and orange despite nearing 9:00 am. Fires are burning in every direction outside of Portland, Oregon city limits.  

The best we can do at this point is to stay informed. Know where the fires are. I’ve begun to box up photo albums and placed the boxes near my garage door. A suitcase with multi-seasonal clothes and shoes is packed with some snacks to toss in the car along with jugs of water. I also threw our rain jackets and winter coats onto the pile. Next I plan to fetch our critical documents such as passports, wills, credit cards, house deed, car title, and insurance info. along with a backup external drive for my computer hard drive. Don’t forget prescription medications, electronics, personal hygiene products, some toys, school backpacks, and pet supplies.

Masks are serving double duty to keep our lungs and those we encounter safe. The particulate is thick outside. If you do need to go out, your mask will hopefully provide some extra breathing protection. 

Authorities are asking that we stay off the roads if at all possible giving precedence to emergency vehicles and those who have to flee. 

What to pack? Here is a list of recommended essentials along with last minute preparation before leaving courtesy of the University of Nevada, Reno Extension.

Wildfire Evacuation Safety Checklist University of Nevada, Reno Extension

If you have to leave, it is advisable to shut off all utilities to prevent fires, explosions, floods, or contamination in your water. Here is a handy, easy to read document for shutting off valves and where to locate them.

If you shut off your gas, you will need to have a professional turn it back on to prevent disaster.

If you shut off your electricity at the panel, be sure to flip all the individual circuits prior to the main circuit.

I printed a copy of the instructions and placed it near my electric panel for future reference. In the mean time, it’s recommended that you familiarize yourself with the locations and procedures so that you don’t have to learn how while attempting to flee. Note, there appears to be some disagreement as to whether you should shut off your water system. Having open, usable valves at your home could be useful for fighting fires or wetting perimeters. The same with electricity, some sites recommend leaving outside lights on. You will need to use your best judgment.

Last night my husband and I began discussing escape routes. Considering that nearly some highways leading outside of Portland are no-travel zones, this raises some concern.   

Here is a resource that provides crucial information for Oregon residents including emergency shelters, road closures, emergency housing damage funding relief. You can also sign up for alerts to stay up to date with the latest information. 

publicalerts.org/signup

wildfire.oregon.gov

ready.gov/safety-skills

livingwithfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Evacuation-Checklist-2020-one-page.pdf

I have to tell you that it is really freaky to walk around your home making decisions about what to pack vs leave behind. Knowing that I have the opportunity to do this at my own pace rather than while fleeing is at least somewhat comforting. Fingers crossed that this is a wasted exercise.

Please stay safe and healthy.