Get to safety with things you need

Wild-res

CALIFORNIAIS CURRENTLY experiencing one of the region’s worst wildfire seasons in the state’s history, forcing many families to evacuate their homes and businesses. Air quality throughout California is unhealthy, and in some cases, hazardous. Road conditions are often affected by local fires, making travel and commuting to work difficult for many families. Outdoor and agricultural workers are bearing the burden of the effects of many of these wildfires, battling poor air quality and tough working conditions worsened by COVID-19.

During this time of year, it’s important that you and your family are prepared for a wild&re in the event that one hits near you. Experts and o$cials recommend that you build an essentials kit to keep somewhere safe in your home in case of a wild&re. (at way, you have food and water, important documentation, extra clothing, prescription medication, and any other supplies that you may not have time to grab if there’s an emergency evacuation. It’s also important that you stay up to date on the latest wild&re incidents in your area to ensure that you and your family are prepared for any wild&res heading toward your area.

SAFETY STEPS FOR ANY DISASTER

1.

Get alerts to know what to do.

CalAlerts.org

2.

Make a plan to protect your people.

3.

Get to safety with things you need.

4.

Stay safe at home when you can’t leave.

5.

Help friends and neighbors get ready.

BASIC TIPS FOR ANY DISASTER

1.

Carry Identification: Families may be apart when disaster strikes. People and pets get separated.

Everyone you care for should carry identification. Put written identification in children’s school bags. Consider a medical alert tag or bracelet. Get pets updated tags and microchips. Photos of families and pets can help you reunite.

2.

Build a Support Network: Have a backup plan in case of emergency. Think about who you can rely on.

Talk with your neighbors about their needs, and yours. Discuss disaster plans with caregivers. Ask schools about plans to reunite parents and children. Plan ahead for skilled helpers to assist with evacuations. Share keys with trusted friends to rescue your pets.

3.

Have Extra Medications and Power Supply:

Many people can’t go three days without medications. Some need electricity to power equipment and devices.

Carry extra medicine when you leave home. Photo (or carry) list of doctors and prescriptions. Ask pharmacy to renew 30-day prescription at 28 days. Save extra doses in your Go Bag. Plan to keep medicine cold and charge equipment/devices.

4.

Reduce Stress: Lessen physical and mental stress by planning ahead.

Dial 211 to find shelters for specific needs. Label equipment before evacuation. Ask utility to warn of power shutoffs. Pack specialty medical and communication supplies. Plan to comfort those with Alzheimer’s or mental illness.

SAFETY TIPS: WILDFIRE

BEFORE

Red Flag warning means prepare NOW. Plan for no electricity. Don’t use candles. Get bandana or mask to protect lungs.

Check that water hose is working. Clean gutters. Remove brush near home.

DURING

Don’t “wait and see”. Leave when told! Leave smoky areas quickly. Close all doors and windows. Turn off Air Conditioner.

Open or remove curtains, shades or blinds. Prepare pets for evacuation. 2

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14 CA WILDFIRE ORGANIZATIONS, RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Relief Organizations

AMERICAN RED CROSS (e American Red Cross o#ers disaster relief and recovery services for those most a#ected in California. (e organization o#ers shelters throughout California that provide a safe space for you and your family when you need it most. You don’t need a reservation, although shelters recommend that you call ahead of time to make sure there is enough space to temporarily house you and your loved ones. You can also access recovery information and discover how to rebuild and recover a"er going through a disaster. Visit the American Red Cross website in English or Spanish to learn more about the services they o#er and the resources available to you. English: www.redcross.org/get-help.html Spanish: www.redcross.org/cruz-roja/obtener-ayuda.html THE SALVATION ARMY (e Salvation Army provides major disaster relief services throughout California to those a#ected by wild&res. (eir organization deploys mobile kitchens across the state and o#ers free meals and water, in addition to emotional support. (ose in need of information about where services are being provided can call the Salvation Army hotline at: 1(888) SA-HELP1 OR 1(888) 724-3571

Resources and Information

Listos California, the state’s wild&re preparedness organization, put together a comprehensive list of information on how to build

an emergency essentials kit, information resources necessary to track evacuation information and county announcements, as

well as where to seek help if you or your family need it. English: www.listoscalifornia.org/wp-content/uploads/Disaster

Ready-Guide-Digital-SelfPrint-1.pdf

Spanish: www.listoscalifornia.org/wp-content/uploads/Disaster

Ready-Guide-Digital-SelfPrint-Spanish-1.pdf

Listos California also provides dozens of other resources such as free texting programs to keep you in the loop about low-cost disaster preparedness, online interactive trainings, preparedness curriculum, etc, Visit their full website in English or Spanish. English: www.listoscalifornia.org Spanish: www.listoscalifornia.org/es/

For up to date information on wild&re incidents in California, daily wild&re reports, and additional information about how to protect yourself and your family, visit the Cal Fire website, available in English and Spanish. English: www.readyforwild#re.org Spanish: www.readyforwild#re.org/spanish/