How to case in case of a wildfire

How to act if you find yourself near a wildfire

Wildfires are very damaging for plant and animal life and can also endanger buildings and human lives. Since wildfires spread quickly and often change direction, we need to keep calm and take certain precautions to reduce the chances of a wildfire spreading to the building and, if necessary, leave the building as quickly as possible, without exposing ourselves or our loved ones to any risk. If you find yourself near a wildfire, you need to:
  • Park your car and leave it unlocked, with keys in the ignition and the car facing the exit. Keep the car windows closed, and the valuables already packed in the car 
  • Move your family, domestic animals, and pets to a safe location 
  • Fill as many containers as possible with water
  • Place towels or other fabrics in the containers filled with water
  • Wear clothes made from cotton and high-top shoes that completely cover your body
  • Close all windows and doors on the house
  • Disconnect the gas connection 
  • Turn off all lights in the house, on the porch, in the garage and elsewhere
  • Within the house, remove all flammable materials—such as light curtains and furniture—away from the windows
  • Remove all flammable items far away from the house, including wood for heating, upholstered items, etc.
  • Listen to the local radio station to hear up-to-date information about the wildfire and any closed-off roads
  • Cover your head, protect your eyes with glasses, cover your face, nose and mouth with a fabric soaked in water, put on gloves or socks on your hands
  • When the natural disaster is at its peak, hide in the building and put wet towels around doors and windows to keep away the heat and embers, and use water for extinguishing
  • Check outer horizontal gutters and attics, as this is where fires usually start
  • Keep checking all rooms in the house to see whether the embers and fire have breached your defences somewhere
  • In case of lots of smoke, keep as low to the ground as possible because heat makes smoke rise up  
  • Have a hand lamp with you
Remain watchful after the natural disaster is over.