According to the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook, states including Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, as well as parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota, are predicted to be at a high risk of wildfires this summer.

In addition, many of those same communities are facing extremely poor air quality due to fires burning across Canada. 

Many of these communities are ill prepared for a hazard like wildfires because they simply don’t occur all that frequently, making preparedness and education essential to save property and lives. 

What to do if a Wildfire Occurs:

• Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
• Keep track of the weather, fires near you, and listen to instructions from local authorities.
• Be ready to leave quickly with your Go-Kit.
• You might not get an official notice to evacuate, so be ready to leave if local authorities advise, or if you feel you are in danger.

Prepare your home and property:

• Create empty space between shrubs and trees to reduce the chance of flames leaping between them.
• Prune trees above the height of bushes and shrubs and remove dead branches.
• Mow grassy areas regularly so that the grass is never more than 4” high.
• Remove dead and dry plants that could fuel a fire, as well as fallen leaves, pine cones, and other dry plant material.

The 4th of July holiday is just around the corner, and for most that means grilling, campfires, bonfires, time with friends and lighting off fireworks.

For areas facing drought or fire weather risk, these types of activities can prove devastating.

Firework Safety Amid Wildfire Threat:

• Have a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher handy. Consider wetting down the surrounding grass and other vegetation before lighting your fireworks.
• Don’t light fireworks on windy nights.
• Douse used fireworks with water to make sure they are completely extinguished.
• Follow local guidance around burn and firework bans.

For more information on keeping your family and property safe from the threat of wildfires, visit redcross.org/wildfires. 

*For more posts like this, Visit Expert Blogger Red Cross Here.