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Prep yourself!

After, Before and During an Emergency

  • Before the Fire:

    Before a Wildfire Could Affect You: Be Prepared and Stay Safe

    Wildfires can spread quickly, leaving little time to react. Preparing in advance is the best way to protect your home, your family, and yourself. Here’s what you can do before a wildfire threatens your area:

    Here’s how to stay safe and start the recovery process in Skamania County:

    1. Create a Defensible Space Around Your Home
    Defensible space is a buffer you create between your home and the surrounding grass, trees, shrubs, or any flammable vegetation. This helps slow or stop the spread of wildfire and protects your home.

    • Clear dead vegetation: Remove dry leaves, pine needles, and dead plants at least 30 feet from your home.
    • Trim trees and shrubs: Keep tree branches at least 10 feet away from your home and remove any branches that overhang your roof.
    • Maintain your landscape: Water your plants and keep the grass mowed to reduce fuel for wildfires.

    2. Fireproof Your Home
    Certain materials and home modifications can help reduce your home’s vulnerability to fire.

    • Use fire-resistant materials: Choose non-combustible roofing materials like metal or tile. Ensure your siding is made of stucco, metal, or brick rather than wood.
    • Seal gaps: Prevent embers from entering your home by sealing any openings around your roof, eaves, and windows.
    • Install fireproof vents: Use mesh screens on vents to keep embers from entering your home.

    3. Create an Emergency Plan
    Having a solid plan in place will ensure that you and your family know exactly what to do if a wildfire threatens your home.

    • Evacuation routes: Map out at least two evacuation routes from your home and neighborhood in case one is blocked.
    • Communication plan: Make sure everyone in your family knows how to contact each other if separated.
    • Emergency meeting point: Choose a safe location outside your neighborhood where everyone will meet after evacuating.

    4. Prepare an Emergency Kit
    When it’s time to evacuate, having a “Go Bag” ready can make the process faster and less stressful.

    • Essentials: Include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, and copies of important documents.
    • Personal items: Pack clothing, hygiene items, and supplies for children or pets.
    • Pro tip: Keep your emergency kit in an easy-to-access location, like near the front door or in your car.

    5. Stay Informed with Local Alerts
    Sign up for emergency notifications in your area to stay aware of wildfire risks and evacuation orders.

    • Sign up for alerts: Check Skamania County’s emergency management page or sign up for text alerts from local agencies.
    • Weather apps: Download weather and wildfire apps to track fire risks and conditions in real-time.
    • Know the warning levels: Familiarize yourself with the different stages of wildfire warnings, like “Ready, Set, Go.

    6. Make Your Home Easy to Defend
    Firefighters can better defend homes that are easy to access and have a clear path around them.

    • Visible address numbers: Make sure your house number is easy to read from the street so emergency personnel can find you quickly.
    • Clear driveway access: Trim vegetation along your driveway and make sure it’s wide enough for emergency vehicles.
    • Install outdoor hoses: Set up hoses around your property for firefighters to use if needed.

    7. Know Your Insurance Coverage
    Make sure your homeowner’s insurance covers wildfire damage and take steps to document your belongings.

    • Review your policy: Ensure your policy includes fire damage and check coverage limits.
    • Inventory your possessions: Take photos or videos of valuable items in your home for insurance claims.

    8. Protect Your Pets and Livestock
    Don’t forget about your pets and animals when preparing for a wildfire.

    • Have a pet evacuation plan: Know where you’ll take your pets and keep crates, leashes, and food ready.
    • Evacuate livestock early: If you have livestock, plan for early evacuation as it may take more time to move them.

    Be Prepared, Stay Safe
    Taking these steps before a wildfire threatens can make all the difference when minutes matter. Preparing your home, creating a family plan, and staying informed are key to ensuring that you and your loved ones stay safe.

    For more resources on how to prepare for a wildfire in Skamania County, visit our Preparedness Guide or attend one of our Wildfire Safety Workshops.