• CalFIRE

• CalOES

• American Red Cross

• FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency 

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Air Filters:

In order for an air filter to be effective during a wildfire event, the air filter MUST have a carbon filter. Carbon absorbs and processes the poisonous gases and toxic fumes in smoke. A HEPA filter process those toxins, so be sure your filters have a carbon filter.

 

IQAir sells three different types of portable filtration systems which all have carbon filters; One filter, the Atem for your car, is a travel sized filter that comes with a harness and a carbon filter; the other two are stand up filters that clean the are of a  large room of pollutants including viruses, smoke, odors, bacteria, mold, pollen, et cetera.

 

These types of filters may either be a tax-deductible expense (if health-related) or may be covered by your health insurance policy as a piece of durable medical equipment. Please check with you insurance company or tax preparer for details.

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IQAir 

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Purple Air

 

Emergency Go Bags

Online source: vlesdesigns.com

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These are the items that FEMA/the Red Cross/Cal fire and many other Fire centric organizations including the national fire protection Association recommend when putting together an emergency go bag. We have also added in a handful of other items that we feel are useful as well.

 

Be aware that the majority of the toiletry items are travel size, and should be stored in Ziploc bags so they don’t leak.

 

1. Strong & durable Flashlight, loaded w/ batteries and extras

2. Headlamp loaded w/batteries and extras

3. Spork (or a plastic knife, spoon, fork)

4. Multitool

5. N95 or KN 95 mask’s

6. Goggles (surround type, complete coverage)

7. water - 1 gallon per person per day 48 to 72 hours avg

8. Travel size toiletries: Kleenex, toilet paper, sunscreen, eyedrops, floss, brush or comb, body soap, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, hand cream, hand sanitizer, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, tweezers, First aid kit, burn cream, at least five pairs of surgical nitrile gloves, and Q-tips

9. scissors

10. A Compass

11. A thermal mylar alarm blanket

12. a thermal mylar or regular BIVVY sack

13. An emergency whistle

14. A plastic jar with lid

15. A small towel &/or clean rags

16. A pair of carabiners

17. Rain poncho

18. Travel size bottle of liquid laundry detergent and a Ziploc of fabric softener sheets.

19. Roll of quarters for laundry machines

 

Your personal items to add to the go bag:

 

• Any and all prescription medication including inhalers for you and your pets.

• Reading glasses, eyeglasses, contact lenses and contact solution

• Two changes of clothes including 3 pairs of underwear/ 3 pairs of socks

• Feminine hygiene products

• Advil/Tylenol/antacid

• Protein bars, can opener/canned food

• Wallet, cell phone, cell phone charger, Social Security cards/passports

• 2 sentimental items for each person in the house

 

 

News and Media

Congratulations to Rancho Tierra Grande for becoming a Firewise Community!

 

Outthink Wildfire

Click the title for information from NFPA Journal all about 5 main strategies to bring community destruction by wildfires to zero by 2050.

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Asbestos and Wildfire

Whitmer, Michelle. "Asbestos and Natural Disasters Guide." Asbestos.com, 20 Dec 2022, https://www.asbestos.com/asbestos/natural-disasters/.

Natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes can damage asbestos-containing materials and lead to asbestos exposure among first responders, cleanup crews and nearby residents. Learn how to prevent asbestos exposure when preparing for and cleaning up after a natural disaster.