With extreme fire weather forecast over a wide area this week, the American Red Cross Kansas and Oklahoma Region urges people to prepare now.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOUSEHOLD With the increasing risk of climate-driven disasters, help keep your family safe by getting prepared today.
- Build an emergency kit with bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and battery-powered radio. Also include medications, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers and emergency contact information.
- Make an evacuation plan with what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you must evacuate. Make sure to coordinate with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans — and don’t forget your pets.
- Know how to stay informed by finding out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.
Remember: People cause most wildfires. Do your part and practice prevention.
- Don’t start a fire on a windy day. Save it for another time.
- Don’t park a hot car or other machine in dry grass.
- Don’t allow gasoline or motor oil to spill on grass or other vegetation.
- Tractors, off-road vehicles and equipment being used in wooded areas, such as chainsaws, must have spark arrestors.
- Dispose of used cigarette butts and used matches in a closed container or cup of water.
- Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
- Prune trees above the height of bushes and shrubs (approximately 6’-10’ off the ground) and remove dead branches.
- Mow grassy areas regularly so that the grass is never more than 4” high.
- Remove dead and dry plants that could fuel a fire, as well as fallen leaves, pine cones, and other dry plant material.