Fires have always been a part of Idaho’s forests, whether natural or human-caused. In fact, fire historically played an important role in maintaining forest health, particularly in dry pine-type forests and high elevation forests. Learn how to help prevent wildfires in your area and be proactive in protecting your community by learning how to make your home as firewise as possible before a fire ever starts.

Preparing for Possible Evacuation

  1. Have your Emergency Supply Kit/Evacuation Bag ready to go
  2. Ensure a Wildfire Action Plan is prepared ahead of time
  3. Refer to the Wildfire Safety Checklist for Older Adults if necessary
  4. Consider evacuating early if you are pregnant, have a mobility impairment, respiratory condition, or other disability that could be complicated by smoke exposure. If you are pregnant, review the signs of early labor as it could be affected by smoke exposure.
  5. Make sure you know your community’s emergency response plan and have a plan on where to go when it is time to evacuate, and the best routes for leaving your location. Look up your county or local municipality’s evacuation plan.
  6. Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked. Remove flammable window shades, curtains, and close metal shutters. Remove lightweight curtains.
  7. Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
  8. Shut off gas at the meter; turn off pilot lights.
  9. Leave interior and exterior lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions but shut off the air conditioning.
  10. Gather up flammable items from the exterior of your house or building and bring them inside (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.). These can also be placed in a pool if one is nearby.
  11. Turn off propane tanks. Move propane BBQ appliances away from any structures.
  12. Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Fill water buckets and place them around the house. Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running as they can affect critical water pressure.
  13. Back your car into the driveway with your vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you so you do not have to look for them if an immediate evacuation is ordered.
  14. Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof. Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
  15. Patrol your property and monitor the fire situation. Don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened.
  16. Check on neighbors and make sure they are preparing to leave.
  17. Keep animals nearby so they do not seek their own shelter far away from you.

When Evacuation is Ordered

  1. Know that danger in your area is current or imminent and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore the evacuation, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. This will be the last notice that you receive.
  2. Do not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.
  3. Tune in to the local radio station or monitor social media for instructions.
  4. Obey orders of law enforcement and fire agency officials.
  5. Follow the designated evacuation routes. Your normal route may not be the safest.
  6. Drive with your headlights on for visibility and safety.
  7. Drive calmly, obey the rules of the road and pay special attention to emergency vehicles.
  8. Do not block access to roadways for emergency vehicles or other evacuees.
  9. Do not abandon vehicles on the roadway.

After You Have Safely Evacuated

  1. Locate and check in at an Emergency Shelter Near You whether you plan to stay there or not, your checking in will help others know you are safe and will save critical rescue services from looking for you. If needed, take pets to a Pet Evacuation Center except service animals. Locate an evacuation center near you: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html
  2. DO NOT call 9-1-1 for non-emergencies.
  3. Do not attempt to re-enter the fire area until it is declared safe by law enforcement.
  4. Monitor weather alerts. Flash floods are a very real and potentially deadly hazard after a wildfire, particularly because of rain falling over a burned area upstream of your location. Stay away from burned forests, storm channels, and natural drainages.
  5. Before returning home consult the Post-Wildfire Recovery Checklist

Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

  1. Check local air quality reports. Listen and watch for news or health warnings about smoke. Find out if your community provides reports about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index (AQI). Know that smoke can remain in both indoor and outdoor air days after wildfires.
  2. Pay attention to any health symptoms if you have asthma, COPD, heart disease, or are pregnant. Get medical help if you need it.
  3. Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke. Children’s airways are still developing, and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Remember that dust masks, surgical masks, bandanas, and breathing through a wet cloth will not protect you or your child from smoke and that N95 respirator masks are not made to fit children and may not protect them at all.
  4. Before returning home consult the Post-Wildfire Recovery Checklist