With the prospect of wildfires and bushfires impacting more areas and becoming more intense as the climate warms, it’s time to think about you’re own preparedness. If you don’t know how to prepare for wildfire evacuation, this article is for you. Because the thing is, with record heat comes record wildfires. Reaching areas not previously burned. And that means you can be impacted too. No matter where you live. We all should have a Wildfire Evacuation Checklist, a Bushfire Emergency Kit, and be prepared for the growing menace of catastrophic wildfires. Here’s how.
Unlocking the secrets of wildfires
The Fury of Wildfires.
Before we dive in, let’s unravel the science that powers these raging infernos. Bushfires are not just random acts of nature; they’re a volatile cocktail of dry weather, scorching temperatures, and an all-you-can-burn buffet of fuel. Add these together, and you’ve got an explosive firestorm that even creates its own wind—talk about a self-sustaining monster!
When a bushfire roars to life, it’s like Mother Nature’s own fireworks show, but one you don’t want a front-row seat to. The flames can skyrocket, turning everything they touch into ash and cinder. The heat is so intense it can literally suck the moisture out of nearby plants, making them ready-to-burn fuel.
It’s like the fire has its own recruitment strategy for more destruction.
But wait, there’s more! As the fire feasts on fuel, it belches out a thick cloud of smoke that can travel for miles, turning day into night, making the air taste like ash, and bringing with it horrible health consequences.
Understanding this science isn’t just fascinating; it’s crucial for grasping the sheer might and unpredictability of bushfires. So,
‘Getting lit’ with a whole different meaning.
So how do these fires start and spread? And why should you even care?
Bushfires star from both natural and human-induced sources. From lightning strikes and volcanic eruptions, to arson, discarded cigarettes and poorly managed campfires. are examples of natural causes, where the immense heat generated during these events can easily ignite surrounding vegetation. However, human activities also play a significant role in the occurrence of bushfires.
Wildfires can occur from an act of stupidity or of pure evil.
But they are also a natural part of ecosystems, and play an important role in maintaining ecological balance. They help clear out dead vegetation, allowing new growth to emerge.
Its when fires happen in populated areas, during periods of extreme weather conditions, or where burn loads have gone unmanaged that they can become catastrophic events.
And wildfires are getting worse.
And with climate change accelerating, the frequency and intensity of bushfires are increasing worldwide. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts create ideal conditions for wildfires to thrive. It is crucial to acknowledge the role of climate change in shaping the landscape of bushfire-prone areas and adapt our preparedness strategies accordingly.
As temperatures rise, vegetation becomes drier and more susceptible to ignition. The prolonged droughts associated with climate change further exacerbate this vulnerability, turning vast areas into potential fire hazards. Additionally, changing rainfall patterns can lead to shifts in vegetation distribution, altering fuel availability and fire behavior.
Climate change also influences the length of fire seasons, with some regions experiencing longer periods of high fire risk. This extended fire season puts additional strain on firefighting resources and increases the likelihood of multiple fires occurring simultaneously.
Adapting to the impact of climate change requires a comprehensive approach that includes effective land management, community education, and sustainable practices. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, we can work towards reducing the risk and impact of bushfires.
Why Fleeing a Wildfire (early) is Your Safest Bet
It is widely acknowledged that early evacuation is the safest option. Authorities often urge residents in at-risk areas to evacuate well before a wildfire approaches. Waiting too long to evacuate can be extremely dangerous as escape routes may be cut off by the fire, and visibility may be severely reduced by smoke.
Statistics show that the majority of wildfire-related deaths occur because people wait too long to evacuate and get trapped, or because they choose to ignore evacuation orders. For example, during the 2018 Camp Fire in California, the majority of the 85 fatalities occurred because people were unable to evacuate in time.
Ultimately, the safest course of action is to evacuate early when advised by authorities. It is also crucial to have an evacuation plan in place and to be prepared with essential items needed during an evacuation.
Decoding the Warning Signs of an Oncoming Wildfire
When it comes to evacuating a wildfire, timing is everything. Being able to interpret the warning signs and knowing when to hit the road is crucial.
Keep your eyes peeled for these red flags:
Weather Warning Bells
A sudden shift in weather patterns is often the first clue that wildfire conditions are brewing. Rising temperatures, parched winds, and low humidity are all telltale signs that fires could spread like wildfire. As the mercury climbs, vegetation becomes tinder-dry, providing ample fuel for potential blazes. Staying tuned to weather forecasts and being on high alert during peak fire seasons is key to early detection.
Plus, certain weather events, like California’s Santa Ana winds, can fan the flames of a wildfire, causing it to spread at an alarming rate. Being weather-wise and aware of fire risks associated with specific weather patterns is a must.
Cracking the Code of Wildfire Behavior
Understanding the dynamics of fire is essential to grasping how wildfires can spread so quickly. As a fire burns, it releases hot gases and particles that rise, creating an updraft. This updraft sucks in cooler air from the surrounding areas, causing the fire to spread in multiple directions. The intense heat generated by the fire can also cause nearby vegetation to release flammable gases, creating a vicious cycle of ignition and combustion.
Spotting is another key aspect of wildfire behavior. This occurs when embers or burning debris are carried by the wind and land ahead of the main fire front, sparking new fires. This can lead to the rapid expansion of the fire, making it even harder to contain.
Smoke Signals and Flames on the Horizon
Seeing smoke and flames on the horizon is a clear indicator that a wildfire is closing in. The color and density of the smoke can also clue you in on the intensity and direction of the fire. Thick, dark smoke signals a more intense fire, while lighter smoke may indicate a smaller blaze or one that is further away. Keeping an eye on the direction of the smoke can help you gauge the potential path of the fire.
It’s important to note that inhaling smoke can be extremely hazardous, especially for those with respiratory issues or underlying health conditions. If you spot smoke or flames, it’s crucial to take immediate action and follow any evacuation orders or warnings issued by local authorities. Your safety and the well-being of your loved ones should always be your top concern.
Heeding the Call of Local Authorities
Local authorities are instrumental in providing timely alerts and warnings about approaching wildfires. They have access to cutting-edge monitoring systems and are trained to assess the risks associated with wildfires. Staying plugged into official communication channels, such as emergency radio broadcasts and mobile phone alerts, is essential for staying in the loop.
In the event of a wildfire, local authorities issue evacuation orders or warnings to safeguard residents in affected areas. These orders should be taken seriously and followed without delay.
You can learn about the Australian Warning system for bushfires, and our new fire danger ratings systems in this article ‘How to prepare for a bushfire in Australia and survive.’
The national wildfire warning system in the US uses different terms, but a similar concept.
Evacuating early can save lives and prevent individuals from being trapped or endangered by the advancing flames. Having an emergency plan in place and being ready to spring into action in response to these alerts is crucial.
By staying alert to the signs of an approaching wildfire and keeping informed through official channels, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.
Wildfire Evacuation Checklist: cometh the day, cometh the list
Make sure you have this Wildfire Evacuation Checklist on your fridge in bushfire season.
The reality of fire evacuation is terrifying. Fire’s have the nasty habit of moving faster than we think. Especially if the wind changes. Oftentimes you have mere minutes to get out.
It’s for the minutes and moments before evacuation. When full panic mode has set in. Your brain stops working rationally. Just grab this off your fridge and follow:
🚨 Immediate Actions:
- Stay Calm: Breathe deep and keep a clear head to make good decisions.
- Listen to Authorities: Follow evacuation orders and recommended routes. Turn your radio on to the local channel.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, a hat, and a N95 mask to protect against smoke and ash.
- Grab Your Bushfire Emergency Kit: You’ll find everything you need to pack in that link.
- Inform Loved Ones: Let family and friends know your plan and your destination. Someone needs to expect you, or know if you don’t arrive.
If you only have a few minutes to get out and have put together a bushfire specific emergency kit, here’s the short short list of exactly what to grab in a fire in a hurry.
🏠 Home Preparations:
- Shut All Windows and Doors: But leave them unlocked for emergency responders.
- Turn Off Gas, Air Conditioning, and Fans: To prevent circulating embers.
- Remove Flammable Items: Move flammable furniture, decorations, gas bottles, timber, vegetation and mats away from windows and doors.
- Turn On Lights: This makes your home more visible in smoke.
- Connect Garden Hoses: So firefighters can use them if necessary.
- Fill Sinks and Tubs with Water: Extra water can be useful for firefighting efforts.
- Place a Ladder Against the House: In case firefighters need access to your roof.
👨👩👧👦 Family and Pets:
- Account for Everyone: Make sure all family members are accounted for and ready to evacuate.
- Prepare Pets: Put pets in carriers or on leashes. Don’t forget their food, water, and any medications.
🚗 Car Preparations:
- Pack Your Car: Load your emergency kit, essential items, and pets into your vehicle.
- Position Your Car: Face your car towards the direction of escape, with car keys in the ignition.
- Keep Car Windows Closed: To protect against smoke and ash.
📝 Last-Minute Checklist:
- Check Evacuation Routes: Make sure your planned route is still safe and accessible.
- Grab Important Items: If there’s time, grab any irreplaceable items that are not already in your emergency kit.
- Lock Your Home: Lock all doors and windows before leaving.
- Leave a Note: Leave a note with your contact information and destination in case emergency responders need to reach you.
🚫 Do NOT Delay:
- Do not wait for an official evacuation order if you feel unsafe. It’s better to leave early and avoid potential traffic or blocked routes.
- Do not return to your home until authorities have declared it safe to do so.
Now that you know what steps to take at the hour of your evacuation, lets look at what to do in the lead up.
How to prepare for wildfire evacuation
fortifying your home
Even if you’re planning to evacuate (and you definitely should!), it’s still crucial to prep your home for wildfire season or an imminent bushfire.
Wildfires can wreak havoc on homes and communities, but there are proactive measures you can take to minimize the damage. Crafting a defensible space around your home, adopting fire-resistant landscaping techniques, and fortifying your home’s exterior are all key strategies to boost your home’s resilience against wildfires.
1.Create a Defensible Space
A pivotal step in wildfire preparedness is crafting a defensible space around your home. This entails removing flammable debris, like dry leaves and branches, from your property. By doing so, you create a firebreak between your home and the surrounding vegetation, reducing the chances of a wildfire encroaching on your property.
It’s vital to maintain this defensible space regularly. A one-time clean-up won’t cut it. As the seasons change, new debris may accumulate, and vegetation may encroach closer to your home. By consistently clearing and maintaining the defensible space, you drastically improve your home’s odds of withstanding a wildfire.
2.Adopt Fire-Resistant Landscaping Techniques
Another potent strategy to diminish your home’s vulnerability to wildfires is to employ fire-resistant landscaping techniques. By judiciously selecting and positioning plants, using non-combustible materials for outdoor structures, and maintaining adequate spacing between trees and shrubs, you can create a landscape that is less prone to ignition and fire spread.
Consulting with local horticulture experts is crucial when implementing fire-resistant landscaping techniques. They can help you pinpoint suitable plant species that are less flammable and more resilient to wildfires. Additionally, they can offer guidance on proper plant placement and maintenance to further bolster the fire-resistant properties of your landscape.
3.Fortify Your Home’s Exterior
While crafting a defensible space and adopting fire-resistant landscaping techniques are vital, fortifying your home’s exterior is equally important. Vulnerable areas such as windows, roofs, and vents can serve as entry points for embers, which can ignite your home and cause significant damage.
One effective countermeasure is to install ember-resistant vents. These vents are engineered to prevent embers from infiltrating your home through ventilation systems, reducing the risk of fire spread. Additionally, using fire-resistant roofing materials can add an extra layer of protection against airborne embers.
Sealing gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior is another crucial step towards safeguarding your property. Embers can easily infiltrate your home through these small openings, so sealing them can help thwart ignition. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your home’s exterior for any vulnerabilities is essential to ensure its resilience against wildfires.
By taking these proactive measures to prepare your home for a wildfire, you significantly reduce the risk of damage and increase the chances of your home surviving such an event. Remember, wildfire preparedness is a continuous effort, and regular maintenance and updates are necessary to keep your home fortified.
A Simple Guide to Bushfire Evacuation Planning
The first step in surviving a bushfire is taken well in advance of anything ever happening. That step is to have a plan in place.
This plan should include:
- your evacuation routes
- meet up points if you’re separated from loved ones
- the emergency supplies you need to grab (like your Bushfire Emergency Kit),
- key contacts
- your communication arrangements with family, friends
- your home insurers details
- your ‘Plan B’ activities.
4.Craft Your Wildfire Escape Plan
When wildfire strikes, a well-crafted evacuation plan can be a lifesaver—literally. It’s crucial that every member of your tribe knows the escape routes, meet up points, and communication game plan. And practice makes perfect, so run through your evacuation drill regularly to ensure everyone stays cool, calm, and collected when the heat is on.
5.Map Your Evacuation
Plot out at least two escape routes and take your family on a test drive. Make sure everyone knows the ins and outs of where to go and what to do if a bushfire threatens. Roads can become blocked or impassable during a bushfire, so having a Plan B (and even a Plan C) is key.
Get to know the official evacuation routes in your neck of the woods and pinpoint alternative routes as backups. If roads are closed or jam-packed, having multiple options up your sleeve can help you make a swift exit. Stay in the loop about road conditions and heed the advice of emergency personnel to ensure a safe getaway.
Transport and Main Roads Department and Emergency Services social media are a great source to stay plugged in to.
👀 💡 Did you know that road users can report crisis related road closures on Google Maps. And Google Maps shows alerts for natural disasters in the area if you’re in a low level zoom.
This makes Google Maps an great up to date navigation tool during a bushfire evacuation. We used Google Maps to navigate around flooded roads during the Brisbane floods. Just make sure you’re in the ‘traffic layer’ when on maps.
6.Keep calm and carry your Bushfire Emergency Kit
When wildfire looms large, a well-stocked Bushfire Emergency Kit is a must-have. Your kit should be packed with essentials like water, non-perishable foods, a first aid kit, batteries, a flashlight, key documents, and any must-have meds. Stash your kit in a spot that’s easy to grab and go, and give it a once-over regularly to make sure everything is shipshape.
Give your Bushfire Emergency Kit a tune-up each bushfire season and replenish any supplies that have run dry. Aim to have enough supplies to tide you over for at least three days. And don’t forget to pack fully charged batteries for your radio so you can stay in the know about bushfire updates.
7.When things don’t go to plan
You have to plan for this too. Because sometimes things just don’t go to plan. Wildfires are uncertain and so is the weather that changes their conditions.
The best course of action? Know what to do. Know how to go about trying to survive if you do get stuck in a bushfire. Here’s the lowdown: ‘How to survive a bushfire: A 5 minute read to save your life’
Make a ‘Plan B’ and put that in your evacuation plan too.
Recap
Understanding the beast that is a bushfire, spotting the warning signs of an imminent threat, fortifying your home, and mapping out your escape route are all vital pieces of the puzzle to shield yourself and your dear ones from the wrath of these devastating infernos. Never forget, being ahead of the game and acting with speed can mean the difference between survival and tragedy when confronted with a ferocious wildfire. Stay on your toes, stay in the know, and stay protected. Start your bushfire season prep TODAY!
