You Never Know When Disasters Might Strike. Don’t Risk It and Learn What NOT to Do in Case of a Wildfire!
Wildfires have become an increasing threat in the United States, especially in areas prone to very hot weather and dry vegetation. The biggest problem is that the damage and devastation they cause can happen quickly, leaving almost zero time for preparation. We surely all remember the first month of 2025 when a huge part of California was highly affected by uncontrolled wildfires. The emergency alerts were not received early enough. The fire was rapidly approaching the most luxurious neighborhoods, leaving thousands without homes. The smoke billowed across the sky like a suffocating blanket.
Within moments, the persons who needed to rapidly evacuate were forced to make life-altering decisions like evacuating their homes. They packed what was necessary and left everything else behind. In this kind of moment, it’s easy to forget the rules of safety. Can you imagine what it feels like to be forced to leave all your sentimental items behind? It must be awful. The rush of panic and the uncertainty of whether your home will survive can cloud your judgment.
For example, many of the people who were forced to evacuate returned to their homes too soon, putting their lives in danger. Others simply didn’t know how to act to ensure their safety. All these actions can have deadly consequences and it’s crucial to know what you need to avoid in case of a wildfire emergency.
Forbidden things to do during a wildfire
1. Ignoring evacuation orders
The first and probably the most crucial mistake you can make during a wildfire is to ignore the evacuation orders. It’s very easy to think that staying behind won’t be so sad, so you decide not to leave your home. The reality is that fire moves more quickly than you can even imagine, and the wind can change everything in the blink of an eye. Roads can be blocked and emergency responders might be overwhelmed, making it difficult to ask for help.
Remember that you should always leave immediately after you receive an evacuation notice. Pack your emergency kit and leave as early as possible. We know, it can be very hard to leave your things behind but your life is more important than anything else. Don’t wait until it’s too late. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. Trying to drive through fire zones
Many people think they can find by themselves safety zones while driving through fires. It’s completely wrong! Such an action can be deadly, and the low visibility created by smoke can create extremely dangerous road conditions. Additionally, evacuations often cause traffic congestion, making it almost impossible to get out quickly.
Never drive through fire-affected areas and plan multiple routes in advance.
3. Not wearing protective gear
Breathing in wildfire smoke can lead to serious issues and the exposure to toxins can be fatal. Unfortunately, a lot of Americans underestimate the effects of inhaling smoke and don’t take necessary precautions.
Remember to always wear a mask to filter out harmful smoke particles. Keep all your home windows closed and stay indoors if it’s possible.
4. Going back after evacuating
It might be very tempting to return to your home to check on things. Sometimes, even if the fire appears to have passed you should still be very careful because wildfires can flare up again. Re-entering an evacuation zone too soon is one of the most dangerous things you can do.
Always wait for an all-clear signal from local authorities before returning. Sometimes hotspots and embers can reignite and cause further damage. Make sure to stay informed and get official clearance before re-entering the area.
5. Not having an emergency plan
People are usually failing to prepare for emergencies. However, a plan can make all the difference in the chaos of a wildfire. Not having an emergency kit prepared can cost you a lot.
You can easily create an emergency kit that includes essentials like water, non-perishable food, important documents, medications, and first aid supplies. Also, make sure to plan several evacuation routes and establish a meeting point for your family in case you get separated.
Be prepared especially if you live in one of the affected areas! Don’t wait until the fire arrives and have a clear plan instead. Trust us, it will be a life-changing experience if you don’t lose your mind in such a devastating situation.
Survival tips in case of an emergency
- Stay informed: Make sure to regularly check for emergency alerts and to monitor local news!
- Protect your home: If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, such as wildfires, you should frequently clean away dead vegetation.
- Use multiple routes: Don’t rely on a single route and always have a backup plan!
- Stay calm: Remember that staying calm and thinking clearly can save lives!
Wildfires, such as other natural disasters are terrifying, and the panic they bring can easily bring to life-threatening mistakes. So, keep in mind how important it is to be prepared, to know what NOT to do, and most importantly, how to follow safety protocols during evacuation.
Before leaving, check out this emergency kit! It’s a life-changer in case of wildfire emergencies!
Are you interested in learning more about the LA fires? You should also read: Battling the Blaze: How LA is Facing Its Wildfire Crisis
