04/08/2023
With Spokane's summer growing increasingly hot and dry, leading to a surge in wildfires, how can residents take proactive steps to shield their homes, loved ones, and possessions from potential disaster? The key lies in preparedness, awareness, and swift action. Are you ready to weather the blaze? Consider these life-saving tips:
Proactive Protection
Defensible Space
Creating a defensible space around your home can help reduce the risk of fire damage. This involves maintaining a 30-foot 'fire-resistant zone' around your home by pruning trees, removing dead or dying plants, and keeping grass short and well-watered. Additionally, store firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet away from all structures.
If fires are near, running your sprinkler system might help a bit by increasing the moisture around your home, which can potentially slow down the spread of the wildfire and reduce the chances of embers igniting dry vegetation near your home. However, running your sprinklers could potentially reduce water pressure in the immediate area, which could impact the ability of firefighters to do their job.
Essential Preparation
Emergency Kit
Create a family emergency kit containing essential items you'll need in case of evacuation. This kit should include first-aid supplies, essential medications, enough food and water for at least three days, personal hygiene products, copies of important documents like IDs and insurance papers, a change of clothing, and any sentimental items you'd want to save. Also, don't forget to pack food for your pets (canned is best so that it doesn't go stale). Given the potential for sudden emergencies, especially during certain times of the year, it's wise to store this kit in your car's trunk. This way, it's ready to go, reducing one less concern if you need to quickly escape from a threat such as a wildfire.
Document Inventory
Document your possessions with a video or photo inventory for insurance purposes. Store these records digitally in a secure cloud service, along with important documents like insurance policies, passports, and birth certificates.
Evacuation Plan
Formulate an evacuation plan that includes at least two exit routes from your home and neighborhood. Designate an out-of-area emergency contact and meeting place. Practice the plan with all family members.
When Evacuation is Imminent
Secure Your Home
Close all windows and doors, but leave them unlocked for firefighter access. Remove flammable window treatments and furniture near windows to reduce the risk of indoor ignition.
Essential Belongings
Pack your emergency kit and irreplaceable items like photographs and personal documents. Remember, property can be replaced; lives cannot.
Evacuation
Follow the instructions of local officials. Spokane County Emergency Management provided important updates on emergencies and disasters. The Spokane County Emergency Alert Program (tinyurl.com/registert4alerts) also allows residents to receive alerts via phone calls, texts, and emails.
Leave early, well before the fire approaches. After you evacuate, do not return home until officials have declared the area safe.
Living in Spokane during wildfire season can be intimidating, but with the right preparation and knowledge, you can protect your home, belongings, and loved ones. Remember, the most important aspect of any disaster is to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. Material possessions can be replaced; people cannot. Stay safe, Spokane.
