How to Survive Wildfires

Arizona's hot, dry climate is perfect for wildfires. No matter where you are in our state, a wildfire could happen at any time. You will have a better chance of keeping your family safe if you are prepared and know how to react.

If you are not in the path of fire, stay alert and stay tuned to local TV, radio and Internet reports (like www.az211.gov) for the latest fire news.

Prepare Your Home and Protect Your Family

Before the next fire, there are things you can do that will help protect your home and family.

When Asked to Go

If you choose to go or are asked to leave by officials, it's time to put your family's planning into practice:

Don't panic - remember your family's evacuation plan.
Grab your family's "To Go Kit," including your Financial First Aid Kit.
Prepare your pets to travel with you.
Turn off gas
Leave garden tools attached to outside faucets to assist fire fighters if necessary.
Drive with your headlights on so other evacuees can see you through any smoke.
Be sure to follow directions of law enforcement at all times.
Keep your car windows rolled up to prevent embers from entering your vehicle.
Choose the safest route. Watch for changes in fire and smoke direction.
Keep a close eye on your pets and monitor their reaction to any smoke.

The Five P’s of Immediate Evacuation

People and Pets -- And other livestock too
Papers – Important Documents
Prescriptions – Pills and Eyeglasses
Pictures – Irreplaceable memories
Personal Computer – Information on hard drives and disks

In a Fire, You Can See the Danger

Watch for the smoke's impact on your visibility and listen to broadcast visibility reports of potential health hazards. Use this chart to help you determine what action you should take (based on your sensitivity and smoke levels) when these conditions occur.

Visibility in Miles	Air Quality Index	Health Category	Health Effects
10+	0-50	Good	None
5-10	51-100	Moderate	Unusually sensitive individuals should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. This could include anyone with: • Serious health issues • Allergies • Asthma
3-5	101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Sensitive groups include people with special health needs: • Heart disease • Lung disease • Older adults • Children Members of these groups should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
1.5-3	151-200	Unhealthy	Sensitive groups (listed above) should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce heavy or prolonged exertion.
1-1.5	201-300	Very Unhealthy	Sensitive groups (listed above) should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
1 or Less	301-501	Hazardous	Everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Sensitive groups should remain indoors and keep activity levels low.

Protecting Your Home

It's fairly easy to improve your home's protection from wildfire. However, keep in mind that any structural changes need the help of a professional like a building contractor, architect, or engineer.

Create a Defendable Fire Zone with Smart Landscaping

Remove all fuels (logs, brush, etc.) within your defendable space.
Introduce native vegetation.
Space trees at least 10 feet apart.
Keep trees pruned so that no branches hang below 6 feet from the ground.
Keep shrubs cut back to no higher than 18 inches from the ground.
Remove dead or dying trees and shrubs.
Mow your lawn regularly and dispose of cuttings promptly.
Maintain your irrigation system.
Clear your roof, gutters, and eaves of debris.
Trim branches so they do not extend over your roof or chimney.
Move firewood and storage tanks 50 feet from your home.
Clear a 10-foot area around your firewood and storage tanks.
Store flammable liquids properly.
Do not connect wooden fencing directly to your home.

To create your defendable space, apply these tips to your property in the following distances around your home:

Typical homes: 30 feet
Homes in wooded areas: 50 feet
Homes on hillsides: 100 feet

Build or Retrofit Your Home with Non-Flammable Materials

Use non-combustible roofing materials.
Box in eaves, fascias, soffits, and subfloors with fire-resistant materials made of treated wood. Reduce vent sizes.
Apply 1/4" non-combustible screening to all vent or eave openings.
Install spark arresters in chimneys.
Cover exterior walls with fire resistant materials like stucco, stone or brick (vinyl siding can melt).
Use double-paned or tempered glass for all exterior windows.
Install non-combustible street signage.
Make sure your home's address can be seen from the street.