Is Contra Costa County on Fire?

California is no stranger to wildfires. From the rugged hills of Northern California to the dry grasslands of the south, wildfires have become a regular occurrence in the state. As climate change accelerates and temperatures continue to rise, the threat of wildfires is only growing. However, while we can’t control the fires, we can control how we prepare for them. Being well-prepared not only ensures your safety but can also help protect your property, loved ones, and community.

We will walk you through the essential steps to take before, during, and after a wildfire to ensure you’re ready for this natural disaster.

1. Create a Wildfire Emergency Plan

The first step in being prepared for a wildfire is creating a comprehensive emergency plan for your family or household. Wildfires can spread rapidly, so it’s important to act quickly.

Key Components of a Wildfire Emergency Plan:

• Evacuation Routes: Know multiple routes to evacuate, especially if one route becomes blocked. Familiarize yourself with nearby shelters or evacuation centers.
• Meeting Points: Establish a safe place to meet with your family in case of evacuation. It’s crucial that everyone knows where to go if separated.
• Communication Plan: Ensure all family members have a way to communicate during the chaos of a wildfire. Consider using text messages or social media platforms to communicate when phone lines are jammed.
• Special Needs: Identify any household members with special needs and make arrangements for their care during an evacuation, including pets and elderly relatives.

2. Create a Defensible Space Around Your Home

A defensible space is an area around your home that is designed to reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading to or from your property. By maintaining defensible space, you can significantly increase the chances of your home surviving a wildfire.

How to Create Defensible Space:

• Clear Dead Vegetation: Remove dead leaves, branches, and other debris that can catch fire quickly. Trim tree branches to prevent them from touching your home.
• Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Use fire-resistant plants and materials to landscape your yard. Avoid placing shrubs and trees too close to your home.
• Firewood and Propane Tanks: Keep firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials away from your house. Store them in a secure shed or away from your structure.
• Gutters and Roofs: Clean gutters regularly to remove dry leaves and pine needles, as they can easily catch fire from embers.
• Create Firebreaks: If possible, create firebreaks—cleared areas free of vegetation—around your property to help slow or stop the spread of fire.

3. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit ready is crucial in case you need to evacuate quickly. Your kit should include items that can sustain you and your family for several days.

Essential Items for Your Wildfire Emergency Kit:

• Water and Non-Perishable Food: Aim for at least a 72-hour supply of water and food for each person in your household.
• Medications: Pack any prescription medications you or family members need, along with a first-aid kit.
• Clothing: Include sturdy shoes, warm clothing, and extra layers for both hot and cold weather.
• Flashlights and Batteries: Power outages are common during wildfires. Be sure to have a flashlight and extra batteries.
• Important Documents: Store copies of important documents, such as IDs, insurance policies, medical records, and home deeds, in a waterproof container or digital format.
• Cash: ATMs and credit card machines may not be functioning during an emergency. Keep some cash on hand.

4. Stay Informed

The key to staying safe during a wildfire is information. Stay updated on fire conditions and evacuation orders, especially as they can change rapidly.

Ways to Stay Informed:

• Local News & Radio: Tune into local news channels or a battery-powered radio for updates on fire conditions and evacuation instructions.
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Sign up for emergency alerts on your smartphone to receive information from local authorities about nearby wildfires and evacuations.
• Red Flag Warnings: Keep an eye on Red Flag warnings from the National Weather Service. These warnings indicate conditions conducive to wildfire development.
• Fire-Tracking Apps: Download apps like “FEMA” or “Ready SF” for up-to-date wildfire information and evacuation plans.

5. Evacuate When Ordered

When authorities issue an evacuation order, don’t hesitate to leave. Wildfires can change direction quickly, and trying to outrun a fire is dangerous.

Things to Keep in Mind During an Evacuation:

• Leave Early: Don’t wait for the last minute to evacuate. As soon as you hear about the fire and evacuation orders, leave the area.
• Follow Official Routes: Stick to official evacuation routes and avoid backroads or shortcuts that may be obstructed.
• Take Your Emergency Kit: Grab your kit, pets, and important documents before leaving. If you have time, close windows and doors to reduce the risk of embers entering your home.

6. Know How to Protect Yourself During a Wildfire

If you are caught in a wildfire or need to shelter in place, there are things you can do to protect yourself.

Post-Wildfire Actions:

• Stay Indoors: If the fire is nearby, stay indoors with all doors and windows closed. Seal any gaps with towels or blankets to keep smoke out.
• Wear Protective Clothing: If you must go outside, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and boots to protect yourself from heat and flying embers.
• Use a Wet Cloth: If the air quality is poor, use a damp cloth or mask to filter out harmful particles.
• Stay Low to the Ground: Smoke rises, so crouch or lie down to avoid inhaling smoke or toxic fumes.

7. After the Fire: Stay Safe and Assess Damage

Once the fire has passed, it’s important to assess the damage and stay vigilant for any flare-ups.

Post-Wildfire Actions:

• Wait for Official “All Clear” Signal: Don’t re-enter your home until authorities declare it’s safe to do so.
• Check for Hot Spots: Use a garden hose to wet down any areas around your home that could reignite.
• Inspect for Structural Damage: Check your property for structural damage and contact your insurance provider.
• Look After Your Health: Wildfires can cause long-term health effects due to smoke inhalation. If you experience symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.