Wildfire Preparedness

PPT-SM-WP-2018

Wildfires are common disasters that can spread quickly, especially during dry conditions. More than 100,000 wildfires clear 4-5 million acres of land in the US every year.

Wildfires can damage natural resources, destroy homes, and threaten the safety of the public and the firefighters who protect forests and communities.

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Wildfires can be caused by:

Natural sources, such as lightningHumans, either accidentally or intentionally

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Natural wildfires typically happen during droughts when lightning strikes dry grass or brush and it ignites.

Human-caused wildfires can be caused by campfires, fireworks, yard waste burning, cigarettes, vehicles, and more.

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Some ways that you can prevent wildfires include:

Properly extinguish campfiresCheck area wildfire alerts to make sure conditions are safe for an open flameDo not make excessively large firesDo not use fireworks illegallyMake sure to never burn yard waste in high windAlways dispose of cigarettes properly

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The amount of damage done by wildfires can depend on the:Size of the fireLandscapeAmount of fuel (trees and structures) in the path of the fireWind direction and intensity

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Wildfires increase the potential for flooding, mudslides, and landslides. Smoke from wildfires can cause health problems for people in nearby areas.

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Being aware of the potential hazards associated with wildfires and creating a plan for how to handle one in advance can help protect you from the destructive effects of wildfires at work and at home.

If a wildfire happens while you are at work, follow your company’s emergency response procedures.

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When a wildfire threatens your area, the best action you can take is to evacuate early to avoid being trapped.

Monitor your local news radio and TV station weather reports for information about weather conditions or other emergency events so you know when to take action.

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The National Weather Service (NWS) issues notices when weather conditions, such as strong wind, low humidity, and high temperatures, make wildfires more likely:Fire Weather Watch – means potentially dangerous fire weather conditions are possible over the next 12-72 hoursFire Weather/Red Flag Warning – means fire danger exists and weather patterns that support wildfires are either occurring or are expected to occur within 24 hours

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If danger is imminent, local authorities may issue an Evacuation Notice to alert residents that a fire is nearby and it is important to leave the area.

If authorities advise or order you to evacuate, do so immediately.

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There are several precautions you can take to prepare your home if you need to evacuate quickly:Turn on lights outside and in every room to make your house more visible in heavy smokeClose all windows, vents, doors, and fireplace screensDisconnect automatic garage door openers so doors can be opened by hand if you lose power

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Additional precautions include:

Move flammable furniture, including outdoor furniture, into the center of your home away from windows and sliding glass doors; remove flammable curtains and window treatmentsFill garbage cans, tubs, and other large containers with waterShut off natural gas from the source and move propane or fuel oil supplies away from the house

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When you are evacuating, drive safely. Safe driving tips include:Roll up windows and close air vents because smoke from a fire can irritate your eyes and respiratory systemDrive slowly with your headlights on because smoke can reduce visibilityWatch out for other vehicles, pedestrians, and fleeing animalsAvoid driving through heavy smoke, if possible

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If you are not ordered to evacuate but smoky conditions exist, stay inside in a safe location or go to a building where smoke levels are lower.

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Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other materials.

Smoke can:

Hurt your eyesIrritate your respiratory systemWorsen chronic heart and lung disease

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Breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects, including:

CoughingTrouble breathing normallyStinging eyesA scratchy throatRunny noseIrritated sinuses

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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 that can stir up particles that are already inside your home.

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Wearing a dust mask can offer you some protection from breathing in smoke. However, dust masks commonly found at hardware stores do not offer enough protection.

A properly worn N95 respirator dust mask will offer a greater amount of protection.

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After a wildfire, listen to authorities on when it is safe to return and when water is safe to drink.

Use caution when entering burned areas. Hazards may still exist, including hot spots that can ignite or trees that can fall without warning.

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Wildfires are serious disasters that can happen anytime, anywhere.

Having an evacuation plan in place before a wildfire threatens your home or work can keep you safe during one.

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Copyright © 2016 by PEC/Premier Safety Operations, LLC

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Sign and date this quiz sheet. Circle the letter representing the correct answer to each quiz question below.

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QUIZ-SM-WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESSOCTOBER 2018

Date:

1. __________ are common disasters that can spread quickly, especially during dry conditions.

A. TornadoesB. EarthquakesC. WildfiresD. Hurricanes

2. Wildfires _________________ the potential for flooding, mudslides, and landslides.

A. IncreaseB. DecreaseC. Do not affectD. Eliminate

3. When a wildfire threatens your area, the best action you can take is to evacuate __________ to avoid being trapped.

A. LateB. EarlyC. When the fire surrounds

youD. After everyone else

4. The______________ issues notices when weather conditions, such as strong wind, low humidity, and high temperatures, make wildfires more likely.

A. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

B. National Weather Service (NWS)

C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

D. Department of Transportation (DOT)

5. A(n) ________________ means potentially dangerous fire weather conditions are possible over the next 12-72 hours.

A. Tornado WatchB. Hurricane WarningC. Fire Weather WatchD. Evacuation Notice

6. A Fire Weather/Red Flag Warning means fire danger exists and weather patterns that support wildfires are either occurring or are expected to occur within _________.

A. 24 hoursB. 36 hoursC. 48 hoursD. 72 hours

7. If danger is imminent, local authorities may issue a(n) _________ to alert residents that a fire is nearby and it is important to leave the area.

A. Tornado WatchB. Hurricane WarningC. Tropical Storm WatchD. Evacuation Notice

8. If authorities advise or order you to evacuate, _______________.

A. Do so immediatelyB. Wait 12 hours, then

evacuateC. Ignore themD. Wait 24 hours, then

evacuate

9. __________ from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other materials.

A. DebrisB. MudC. SmokeD. Air

10. A properly worn __________ will offer a greater amount of protection from smoke from wildfires.

A. Hard hatB. N95 respiratorC. Pair of glovesD. Body harness

Fire S

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Safety Meeting Answer Keys: Wildfire Preparedness Instructors: The following key shows the answers for the Wildfire Preparedness safety meeting quiz.

© 2018 PEC

Safety, Inc.

KEY-SM-WILDFIRE-PREPAREDNESSOCTOBER 2018

1. C

2. A

3. B

4. B

5. C

6. A

7. D

8. A

9. C

10. B

STUDENT ROSTER

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INSTRUCTOR NAME SAFETY MEETING DATE

SAFETY MEETING NAME COMPANY NAME

Student Instructions: Print and sign your name. Also, provide your date of birth or the last four digits of your social security number.

©2014 PEC Safety, Inc. All rights reserved.