Wildfire Preparedness 101

At Levoit, we care deeply about our community and understand how stressful wildfire season can be. Here are actionable steps you can take to feel prepared and confident. 

We’ve also included a Wildfire Preparedness Checklist at the end. Provide your email and we’ll send you a downloadable version to use for your household and share with friends and family. 

How to Prepare for a Wildfire 

Before wildfire season begins, here’s what you can do to prepare. 

Even if you don’t live near a wildfire zone, your air quality can still be impacted by traveling wildfire smoke. An air purifier with 3-stage filtration, especially one with a High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter can help keep your home’s atmosphere clear of smoke and fumes. 

If you do live near a wildfire zone, think about the landscape surrounding your home. Are there flammable items, such as trees and plants, close to the house? Creating a buffer zone between your home and vegetation can help reduce the risk of fire spreading to your home. These buffer zones can be created with rocks, concrete, or pathways. 

Other steps you can take include knowing your evacuation routes, keeping track of wildfire updates, and double-checking that everyone in your household is aware of these safety measures. In case of evacuation, make sure your car’s gas tank is always at least half-full and that you have an emergency kit prepared. Some items to include are: 

• Medical supplies 
• Extra clothes 
• Toiletries 
• A map 
• Cell phone charger 
• Snacks 
• Water bottles 

How to Stay Safe During a Wildfire 

If you don’t need to evacuate, keep windows and doors closed to help prevent smoke from entering your home, and use your air purifier to keep your home’s atmosphere fresh. You’ll also want to remove flammable materials from windows and doors, such as curtains and rugs. 

If you’re within range of a wildfire zone, you’ll also want to stay updated on the movements of wildfires near you. Pack your emergency kit in the car and follow evacuation routes set by your local authorities. It may be tempting to panic but try to remain calm. The safety of you and your loved ones will always be the number one priority. 

When driving an evacuation route, take precautions and practice defensive driving. Stress runs high during wildfires and other drivers may not be entirely focused on the road. Keep an eye out for fallen signage, debris, and fallen trees. 

How to Stay Safe After a Wildfire 

The negative effects of wildfire smoke may persist even after the fire has passed. Wildfire smoke can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as lung irritation, sore throats, stinging eyes, and dry skin. Seek diagnosis and treatment from a medical professional if your symptoms are severe or persistent. 

If you’re returning home from an evacuation and find that your home has been affected by fire, exercise caution as you clean up the aftermath. Utilize and wear proper safety gear, such as protective rubber gloves and face masks, while you clean to avoid touching or breathing harmful substances. Dampening burnt debris with water will also help prevent ash particles from rising into the air. If you’re not sure how to tackle a particular mess, hiring a professional cleaner may be helpful. 

If you’d like our free Wildfire Preparedness Checklist, enter your email to receive a downloadable version.* Use this checklist for your household this wildfire season, and share with your friends and family. We hope this helps provide you with peace of mind throughout the year.

*Accepting cookies is necessary for accessing the checklist sign-up.

Sources: 

How To Create Defensible Space for Wildfire Safety | CAL FIRE (readyforwildfire.org) 

Smoke from California wildfires reaches the East Coast and Europe - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com) 

Health Effects Attributed to Wildfire Smoke | US EPA 

 

 

 

Important Note    

The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used in medical emergencies or for diagnosing or treating any medical condition. It's crucial to consult a licensed medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. External links are for informational purposes and do not constitute endorsements. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the products and/or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of the information provided herein.