December 7, 2017 – The loss of lives, homes and businesses in recent California wildfires serves as a sobering reminder of a fire’s destructive effects. As a series of wind-driven wildfires currently burn across Southern California, residents are actively looking for more information on what they can do to help prepare for a possible evacuation.
In response, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is distributing resources to support media outlets’ wildfire coverage, including action steps for creating and implementing evacuation plans for families, as well as pets, horses and livestock.
VIDEO available: https://youtu.be/rqKLXN6Nnis
Caption: Just as humans prepare, it’s important to have household pets and horses ready year-round for a potential wildfire evacuation.
- The following action steps are aimed at homeowners to help prepare for an evacuation:
- Stay alert. If you are near the fire activity or in an area with a Red Flag Warning - where conditions are ripe for wildfire - stay tuned to news and official reports and be ready to leave; don’t wait for an official evacuation order.
- Prepare an emergency plan. If your community is not in immediate danger from the fires but you live in a surrounding area, take the time now to make a plan with your family in case you need to evacuate.
- Create a “go-kit” for every member of the family including pets and horses. Each bag/backpack should contain essentials needed for a more comfortable stay away from home. Children should keep a second “go kit” at school; parents should also have a second “go kit” at work.
- Identify a safe place to meet in case family members are separated. During an evacuation, family members may be at school or at work. Having a central location where everyone can meet helps provide a sense of security for the whole family.
- When it is time to evacuate, leave together. When possible, family members should leave together in one car, which helps everyone feel more secure and safe.
- Additional NFPA resources include:
For more information, please visit www.nfpa.org/wildfire or contact NFPA’s public affairs department at publicaffairs@nfpa.org or 617-984-7275.
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess