Sunday, October 16, 2022

Wildfires 2022 - preparation in WA state

This has been a terrible year for wildfires in Washington and Oregon. This post is to share some experiences and wisdom for preparation for next time this happens. Much of it relates to what I did but am trying to word it in context of the reader to be useful for others.

Good questions to ask yourself at a time like this:

  1. Does each member of your family have a go-bag that they could get into a car within five minutes to last three for more days?
  2. Can you immediately get all your emergency papers, insurance forms, financial info, and cash should you lose your home?
  3. If all you can take is what fits in your car, what will be included?

This is a timely opportunity to think through your emergency preparedness

PREPARE YOUR HOME

  • Remove brush around the house.
    • I filled 2 yard waste containers just prior to the smoke. A bit late and not as much removed as I should have, but an improvement.
  • Clear other combustibles around the house. Move things from yard into garage that may catch fire, such as lawn furniture or coverings.
  • Water the lawns. It's a bit late if it's already gone dormant, but do it anyway if water is not scarce.
  • Purchase air filters for home. I have 3 HEPA filters and 1 ionic, many people can benefit from a 20 inch box fan and a furnace filter rated MERV 11-13, likely 13 is best but don't exceed that number, see How to make your own clean air fan.
  • Purchase masks. A cloth mask is better than nothing, but very inadequate. Best to have N-95 or better, I have N-99. Charcoal filters are good for volatile pollution, but the biggest threat is particles, pay attention to PM2.5 numbers, as it relates to the need to filter out particles of size 2.5 microns or smaller. A full face mask may be handy if you spend a lot of time outside, such as PT-101 Full Face Gas Mask & Organic Vapor Respirator.
  • Have buckets of water surrounding the house. I have around 30 buckets filled and ready, most people will likely do much less, but even a few is better than nothing.
  • Have all exterior water outlets connected to a hose. Leave it in obvious location in case a good neighbor spots a fire and is able to help.
  • Have tools ready to cut trees or brush readily available. For example, I have my electric pole saw by the front door and batteries charged, same for electric hedge trimmer and a couple bow saws.
  • Go shopping for any essentials asap. Smoke lingers, plan on 2 weeks not just the standard 3 days that people typically recommend.
  • Know where your fire extinguishers are and check they are current.
  • Smoke and CO detectors functioning.
PREPARE YOUR PHONE
  • Install apps to monitor air quality. Apps vary for AQI, Air Quality Index, so install several and figure out which is best. I have IQAir and Plume. Also, see AirNow
  • King County Sheriff Office non-emergency line: (206) 296-3311
  • Burn ban number: (425) 434-6333
  • Snoqualmie Police non-emergency line: (425) 888-3333

PREPARE YOUR CAR
  • Gas tank filled in case long drive necessary to evacuate
  • Hand saw in car in case trees fall on road (important, don't cut trees if near powerline and don't get run over if tree is in the road, use common sense). Bow saw, Silky Big Boy, and loppers.
  • Shovel, pickaxe, or similar to help put out small fire if observed.
  • Cell phone charger inside. USB battery pack for recharging.
  • Floor pump or similar for tires
  • Jumper cables

PREPARE TO LEAVE WITH NO NOTICE

  • Medicine prescriptions filled, especially if asthma, allergy or other issues from smoke
  • Mentally know what to take, such as small valuables, documents, laptops and small electronics.
  • Have carriers for animals and food
  • 5-gallon container of water already filled ready to grab and go.

CHANGE HABITS

  • Reduce driving
  • Don't go out into the woods if not necessary.
  • Share awareness with friends (good luck).
HELPFUL LINKS




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