Are you ready for #Wildfire #NatlPrep #OKfire

National Preparedness Month: Week 2 Focuses on Wildfire

Get ready for Week 2 (September 6 – 12) of National Preparedness Month (NPM), which highlights hazard-focused themes to encourage you to prepare. Wildfire is the hazard-focused theme for Week 2 of NPM. These fires can occur anywhere and destroy homes, businesses, natural resources, and agriculture. In fact, several states in the Northwest have recently experienced devastating wildfires, sparking evacuation orders for thousands of people.

If a wildfire threatens your community, the best action to protect yourself and your property is to evacuate. Evacuation orders vary by state and may range from voluntary to mandatory. When authorities issue a mandatory evacuation notice, leave the area immediately to avoid being trapped.

There are also some things you can do to make your home or business more resistant to catching fire and burning. The How to Prepare for a Wildfire guide from America’s PrepareAthon! outlines the following steps, including:

• Create a defensible space (free of leaves, debris, and other flammable material) of up to 200 feet from your home or business;
• Use fire-resistant materials for landscaping and construction; and
• Maintain sources of water such as swimming pools, wells, ponds, and hydrants to ensure they are accessible to the fire department.

Download the 2015 National Preparedness Month Social Media Toolkit from the Ready Campaign and America’s PrepareAthon! to share preparedness and safety messages with family and friends.