Recommendations for staying safe from fires

The state of California has one of the highest number of wildfires in the United States. There are currently several counties with active fires, but the largest and most dangerous is the Park Fire, in addition to the Borel Fire, which is having the greatest impact on the Central Valley area.

According to Cal Fire, the Park Fire is only 18% contained and has burned nearly 400,000 acres.

This alert situation has also caused at least 4,000 people to be displaced from their homes due to the risk of the fires across 4 counties, which are Butte, Plumas, Shasta and Tehama.

According to information from Cal Fire, more than 5,000 firefighters are working to contain, control and extinguish the blaze that has destroyed at least 160 structures.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), reminds us that it is very important to prepare and maintain an adequate space in our homes clean of dry brush and if possible that the house is reinforced with fire resistant materials.

In this sense, the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the United States, FEMA recommends installing a Class A roof, that is, with non-combustible coverings and says that if you have the possibility, replace the eaves with short overhangs and flat ledges, since forest fires can cause embers to fly and adhere to the ledges and eaves of the roof.

If you have a yard, FEMA suggests creating a 30-foot buffer around your house to prevent fire from reaching your home. As I said, you should reduce or remove all flammable vegetation. And to make the space defensible, use non-combustible materials such as gravel, brick or concrete.

Another important recommendation is to check the insurance policy of your home, that it is in force and complies with all the requirements to use it if necessary. In addition, Fema recommends having a record of all your belongings, which can be with photographs of your valuables or with a video.

Another suggestion is to have a family evacuation plan, which includes an emergency supply kit, with water, canned food, rechargeable batteries for cell phones, medications and other necessities for each family member. Even if you have pets, you should have a kit for them.

And if evacuation alerts are issued in your area, the family, including pets, should leave as soon as possible and emergency backpacks should be in the vehicles. Your car should be parked facing the street so you can get out quickly.

During evacuation, you should be prepared to pass close to the fire, use face masks to avoid breathing directly the smoke from the fires and use a dry handkerchief to cover your face.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office talks about the consequences of wildfires on poor air quality and has issued recommendations through its spokesmen, let’s listen to Gustavo Ortiz, spokesman for Cal OES.

Remember that wildfires are becoming more extreme due to climate change. Therefore, if you live in an area at risk, always be aware of the recommendations of the authorities to be safe.