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Bozeman, MT, June 30, 2015—Red flag warnings and wildfires are springing up across the country as the wildfire season gets into full swing. Thousands of homes across our state are near woodlands and could be affected by a wildfire. While the Red Cross is prepared to help when wildfires occur in our state, the organization is asking Montanans to take steps to prepare themselves, their loved ones and their properties for wildfire season.

“We’re asking everyone to take all preventive steps possible and do whatever they can to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires,” says Diane Wright, executive director of Montana Red Cross. “It’s important to remember that one spark can lead to a wildfire during hot, windy and dry summer days. Dragging trailer chains, lawnmowers, unattended campfires and fireworks are some of the usual culprits.”

PROTECT YOUR HOME

Remove anything that can catch fire from around your home, garage and outdoor shed, including firewood and propane tanks. If it’s flammable, keep it away from your house, deck or porch. Obey outside burning bans when issued. Other things you can do to be prepared include:

1. Keep your gutters and roofs clean. Remove dead vegetation and shrubbery from your yard. Keep your lawn hydrated.

2. Select building materials and plants that resist fire.

3. Make sure driveway entrances and your house number or address are clearly marked.

4. Set aside items that can be used as fire tools – a rake, axe, hand or chain saw, bucket and shovel.

5. Identify and maintain a good water source outside your home. Examples include a small pond, well or swimming pool.

 IF A FIRE OCCURS

Listen to your local media for updates on the fire and be ready to leave quickly. Put your emergency kit in your car and back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing your direction of escape. For a list of things to include in your emergency kit, download the Red Cross free Emergency App.

You should also:

1. Keep your pets in one room so you can find them quickly if you have to evacuate.

2. Arrange for a temporary place to stay outside the threatened area.

3. Keep your indoor air clean – close windows and doors to prevent the smoke outside from getting in your home.

4. Use the recycle mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. If you don’t have air conditioning and it’s too hot to be inside, seek shelter somewhere else.

5. If smoke levels are high, don’t use anything that burns and adds to air pollution inside such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.

 AFTER THE FIRE

Don’t go home until fire officials say it is safe. Be cautious entering a burned area – hazards could still exist. Avoid damaged or downed power lines, poles and wires. Other things to do include:

1. Keep your animals under your direct control. Hidden embers and hot spots could burn them.

2. Wet down debris to minimize breathing dust particles.

3. Wear leather gloves and shoes with heavy soles.

4. Throw out any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.

Recheck for smoke or sparks throughout your home for several hours after the fire, including in your attic. Wildfire winds can blow burning embers anywhere so check for embers that could cause a fire. You can find tips like these and other valuable information at redcross.org/montana.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to expert advice on what to do right before, during and after 14 different types of emergencies and disasters including wildfires. You’ll find tips on how to plan ahead in case of a future wildfire. The app also contains weather alerts, life-saving information and ways to contact family and friends in one free, easy-to-use app for mobile devices. Users can customize more than 35 emergency alerts based on their location and where loved ones live. To download the app, click HERE .

You can help people affected by disasters like wildfires, as well as countless other crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, and other emergency assistance in response to disasters. To donate, click HERE , call 1-800-ARC-MONT (1-800-272-6668) or send a check to the American Red Cross of Montana, 1300 28th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405.

 

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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