Tips on protection against wildfires & potential evacuations

Yahoo

17-03-2025

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – On Monday, the Norman National Weather Service says Oklahomans are under Critical to extreme fire danger and residents should expect breezy southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph.
A Red Flag Warning has been issued for most of the area Monday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Here are some steps you when preparing in advance for a potential evacuation:
Check local fire and police department Facebook and Twitter accounts, and sign up for alerts.
Go to Ready.gov for other alert apps to download. Others are:
FEMA
The National Weather Service (NWS) or NWS Norman
KFOR weather watches and warnings
Drive each route so you know it, and choose a place out of town where family can meet a home, parking lot or park.
Keep assembled pet carriers and leashes ready. Have your name, cell number and vet's name and office number written clearly on carriers.
For more information on preparing pets for evacuation, click Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Protect important documents and photos in a fireproof safe or bank safety deposit box.
Create password-protected digital copies to place in a second secure location.
Keep a flashlight, sturdy shoes and your cellphone charged near your bed.
Numbers for family, friends, doctors, insurances, veterinarians, etc. Place one copy in your emergency kit, and one near your phone or in your cellphone.
Have an out-of-town family member or friend you can call who will pass updates to family and friends for you.
Time how long it takes you to pack your car and for everyone to be in it and on the road.
Practice, Practice practice evacuating animals.
Prescriptions, medications, medic alert jewelry and your doctor's contact information
Water, food, poop pick-up bags and other supplies for each pet
A map with at least two familiar evacuation routes
At least one change of clothes for each person in your household
Extra pairs of glasses and contact lenses
Extra set of car keys
Credit cards, cash or traveler's checks
Extra cell phone charging cord
First aid kit
At least two working flashlights with newer/recently-charged batteries, and extra batteries
An emergency battery-powered radio with extra batteries
Cleaning supplies and toiletries
Add easily-carried valuables, family photo albums, computer files on stick drives, laptops and other electronics.
Local fire departments are releasing tips to stay alert and avoid wildfires:
Avoid any activities that could create sparks (welding, grinding, campfires, burning debris, etc.).
Secure outdoor items that could be blown into power lines or cause sparks.
Properly dispose of cigarettes—never toss them on the ground.
Avoid driving or parking on dry grass; hot exhaust systems can ignite fires.
Have an emergency plan in place—know at least two ways out of your neighborhood in case one is blocked by fire or emergency crews.
Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles—do not block access or follow fire crews.
Be prepared for possible power outages and road closures.
Report fires immediately by calling 911.
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