This page brings together information and resources for dealing with emergency fires. We are thinking especially of wildfires that threaten homes and people, as have been happening in Australia, California and several other states. The information can be re-used quickly in response to other situations. The organization of the page is based on what we have done in response to hurricanes and flooding, such as we recently updated for Hurricane Dorian. This page was curated by Helping Give Away Psychological Science, a non-profit focused on dissemination and connecting people to resources from which they could greatly benefit.
A quick guide on how to prepare for a wildfire, stay safe during it, and what to do after.
Cal Fire has detailed resources available on their website and as a mobile app (iPhone and Android versions available) to assist families prepare for wildfires. Download the free app today for Apple and Android devices. The app has helpful guidance how to prepare for fire season, how to support your family during the fires, and things to do if your family needs additional support after the fires.
Bookmark the main information page for state emergency management or the department of public safety, and download any apps they have
Make sure emergency alerts are enabled in your phone's settings
Download maps for your area through the Google Maps App
Consider communication apps like Firechat, a messaging app which works without a signal, and Glympse, a real-time location sharing app.
Make sure all devices are fully charged & use plastic bags to protect cell phones
Get pictures, DVDs, etc in plastic containers
Download apps
FEMA Receive real-time alerts, learn emergency safety tips, locate emergency shelters in your area
MyRadar (iphone) (Android) will allow you to track storm cells in real time
WhatsApp (often the best group communication app post hurricane, so long as there is WiFi or cell service).
FireChat is a newer chat app that uses Mesh networking, so it will talk to other devices with FireChat peer to peer (via Bluetooth or peer WiFi) even when there is no cell service or Internet connection. Mesh networks get stronger and faster as more devices use them.
Glympse is an app that can share your exact location with others, helping find each other, and helping rescue teams find people.
Tell someone not in the storm’s path where you will be riding out the storm
Take photos of your home and important belongings for insurance purposes
Have insurance information ready in case you need to file a claim post storm; if you don’t file right away you may be looking at months of waiting
Note that homeowner’s insurance does NOT cover flooding
“...if a college student is under 26 years old, enrolled in classes and living in on-campus housing, the student may be covered under his or her parents’ homeowners or renters insurance policy.”
Spare change of clothes (e.g., long-sleeved shirt, jacket, long pants, close-toed shoes)
Wallet with cash and credit cards
Medication
Whistle
Glasses
Pet supplies (pet food, carriers, medications, records)
Gloves (preferably leather to protect your hands from any hot objects)
A mask to prevent you from breathing in the smoke
Portable cell phone charger
Flashlight and extra batteries
Comfort kit for kids - gather together a few of your kids' comfort items (e.g., stuffed animals, a security blanket, a deck of playing cards, their favorite toy)
Valuable items and mementos (e.g., family photos, a jewelry locket)
Hard drive with PDFs of important documents and pictures (e.g., driver's license, passport, other forms of ID, birth certificate, social security card, pictures of valuable items throughout the home)
Personalized map of your local area with multiple highlighted routes to take in case of evacuation
Contact friends or family who live outside of your local area and ask if you can stay with them in the case of a fire outbreak. Create an emergency contact list of those who agree.
Identify multiple evacuation routes in different directions in case roads are blocked.
If you plan to evacuate by car, make sure your gas tank is filled and that you car is in good condition.
Keep emergency supplies in the trunk as well as a spare change of clothes and closed-toed shoes.
If you plan to go to a shelter, use this American Red Cross website to find a shelter near you or text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 4FEMA (43362).
Know your rights: Insurance often will cover fire damage. A recent law change in California now makes it illegal for a company to drop your coverage right after a fire. (***Add external link to pdf from Dr. Lee)
If you have damage, as soon as you’re safe fill out an insurance claim (can usually do this online or by phone). If possible take photos of the damage.
Trinka and Sam The Rainy Windy Day: E-book to help children and their families begin to talk about feelings and worries they may have after they have experienced a hurricane
Help Kids Cope is a mobile app (iPhone and Android versions available) to assist families cope with wildfires. Download the free app today for Apple and Android devices. The app has helpful guidance how to prepare for the fire, how to support your family during the fire, and things to do if your family needs additional support after the fire.
Individuals with Disabilities come in all forms and therefore there is no single way to effectively prepare for a disaster, each individual much play to their abilities. Individuals with disabilities are able to add registries to help emergency responders easily identify and locate them.
The Red Cross provides aid to those affected by wildfires. One of the best ways to help is to register as a volunteer with them and join up with their efforts. Here's the link to fill out the application, which asks for contact information and permission to do a background check: https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html
Find your local red cross here, apps are also available to download. (iphone and android)
This section organizes resources by region, including information about insurance and local details. Some of the same information may be woven through earlier sections. Having this separate section may make it easier for local experts to suggest new content.
