Participate in fire drills, as mandated by building code. Fire drills are practiced at workplaces, schools, and universities, multiple times a year, to ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. In numerous states, public and private schools are required to conduct monthly fire drills, and other structures are required to conduct quarterly fire drills. These can save lives.
Participate in fire drills, as mandated by building code. Fire drills are practiced at workplaces, schools, and universities, multiple times a year, to ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. In numerous states, public and private schools are required to conduct monthly fire drills, and other structures are required to conduct quarterly fire drills. These can save lives.
Remember, a majority of fire-related deaths are due to smoke inhalation.
Try to look high in the sky for the direction of the smoke’s travel. Look for the direction that leaves and branches are swaying.
Steer clear of open areas with small, dry shrubs or bushes.
Call emergency services if you haven’t already done so. Let them know your location as precisely as you can. If a wildfire is within close range, surrounding you, or otherwise blocks all means of downhill and upwind escape, and if no safe locations are available, you might have to resort to running through the fire’s leading edge into an area that’s already burned.
Don’t build a campfire in dry conditions, especially if your park ranger lets you know there’s a local burn ban. If it’s safe to build a campfire, keep it small, contained, and away from trees or shrubs. Never leave it unattended. Make sure your campfire is completely extinguished before you leave by pouring lot of water over it, stirring the ashes, pouring more water, making sure there’s no hissing sound, and lastly making sure it’s cool to the touch.
Call emergency services if you see a nearby wildfire but haven’t received an evacuation order. Don’t assume someone else has reported it.
