Wildfire season is an unfortunate and dependable part of Montana summers. Fortunately, there are many steps we can take to stay safe before and during a wildfire or smoke event.
PREPARE FOR WILDFIRE SEASON
Recognize Warnings and Alerts
Having several ways to receive alerts can be helpful before disaster strikes. Mobile apps from FEMA, Red Cross and the National Weather Service can send push notifications to your phone. Missoula County uses Smart 911 to alert residents of emergency situations. For updates on wildfire smoke, sign up for state smoke forecasts from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality or local alerts by Missoula Public Health. To sign up for local alerts, please email [email protected].
Make an Emergency Plan
Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands what to do if you need to quickly evacuate. Your household members may not be in the same place when you need to evacuate, so make sure you have a communication and reunification plan. You may need a separate plan for the office, kids’ daycare, or other places that you spend a lot of time.
Strengthen Your Home
There are many things you can do to protect your home against wildfire. Use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate or make repairs. Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property. Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of leaves, debris or flammable materials that reaches at least 30 feet from your home.
Know Your Evacuation Zone
You may have to evacuate quickly due to a wildfire. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household (including pets!) and identify where you will go. Following instructions from local authorities is extremely important. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.
Prepare for Wildfire Smoke
Even if flames aren’t nearby, the threat of wildfire smoke exposure is present. Prepare your home for smoke by taking steps to create a clean indoor air space. HEPA air cleaners, DIY box fan air cleaners, and furnace filters rated MERV13+ are all great ways to filter out smoke particles inside. Learn more at MontanaWildfireSmoke.org.
DURING WILDFIRES
Evacuate Immediately if Authorities Tell You to Do So
Check with local authorities for the latest information about public shelters. The FEMA and Red Cross Emergency apps have information about open shelters. Consider making plans with friends or family to shelter with them where you may be more comfortable and your needs may be more easily met.
If trapped, call 911 and give your location, but be aware that emergency response could be delayed or impossible. Turn on lights to help rescuers find you.
Reduce Smoke Exposure
Wear an N95 mask to protect yourself from smoke inhalation outdoors.
If you are not ordered to evacuate but smoky conditions exist, clean your indoor air or go to a community building with clean indoor air. Check Fire.AirNow.Gov for current wildfire smoke levels. To clean your indoor air when it’s smoky outside, choose a room to close off from outside air and set up a portable air cleaner or DIY box fan air cleaner. If you have a central air system, use the highest MERV rated furnace filter your system can handle, ideally MERV13+, to capture fine particles from smoke. If your system has fresh air intake, set the system to “recirculate” mode and close the outdoor intake damper.
If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for further care instructions and shelter in place if possible.
Learn more at MontanaWildfireSmoke.org