Red Cross Offers Free Wildfire Information App

With several wildfires springing up in eastern Montana, and the American Red Cross wants you to know about a new free Red Cross wildfire app to help keep you and your family safe and informed in the event of a wildfire near you. The app has evacuation checklists and other features that can be crucial during wildfire. Search for "Red Cross Wildfire" in the Apple App Store or Google Play or go to the Red Cross Website.

If There Are Reports of a Wildfire in Your Area:

Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.
Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
Confine pets to one room so that you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area.
Listen and watch for air quality reports and health warnings about smoke.
Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. If you do not have air conditioning and it is too hot to stay inside with closed windows, seek shelter elsewhere.
When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves. Do not vacuum because it stirs up particles that are already inside your home.
If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your health care provider's advice and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen.

Limit exposure to smoke and dust:

· Listen and watch for air quality reports and health warnings about smoke.

· Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.

· Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. If you do not have air conditioning and it is too hot to stay inside with closed windows, seek shelter elsewhere.

· When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns and adds to indoor air pollution, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves. Do not vacuum because it stirs up particles that are already inside your home.

· If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your health care provider's advice and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen.

Supplies to take with you if you need to evacuate:

· Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply)

· Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply)

· Flashlight Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

· First aid kit

· Medications (7-day supply) and medical items

· Multi-purpose tool

· Sanitation and personal hygiene items

· Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)

· Cell phone with chargers

· Family and emergency contact information