When Fire Threatens

If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your radio for reports and evacuation information.

• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of evacuation. Shut doors and close windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
• Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
• Arrange temporary housing at a friends or relative's home outside the threatened area.

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

• If you evacuate your home, place a note on the door indicating when you left and where you are going.
• Wear protective clothing sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, hat, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face.
• Take your disaster supplies kit.
• Lock your home.
• Tell someone when you are leaving and where you are going.
• Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

If you are sure you have time, take steps to protect your home.

• Close windows, vents, doors, blinds, and non-combustible window coverings. Remove lightweight curtains.
• Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
• Close fireplace damper. Close fireplace screen.
• Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding- glass doors.
• Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.
• Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Place combustible patio furniture inside.
• Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
• Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof.
• Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.
• Gather fire tools.

If you should become trapped in a wildland fire remember you cannot outrun a fire. If you are outdoors crouch in a pond or river. Cover your head and upper body with wet clothing. If water is not around, look for shelter in a cleared area or among a bed of rocks. Lie flat and cover body with wet clothing or soil. Breathe the air close to the ground through a wet cloth to avoid scorching your lungs or inhaling smoke.

Washington State Military Department, Emergency Management Division