Returning home after a wildfire: what do you do?
MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – As fire crews continue to battle the French Fire and residents who were evacuated return home, the American Red Cross says they need to pay attention to the ground.
According to the Red Cross, there might be heat pockets and hot embers that can burn or spark another fire. Residents are asked to mark them for safety and warn family and neighbors to keep clear of the pits.
Officials say locals should also:
Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers
Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires
Watch for pits in the ground filled with ash— they may have hot embers underneath
If you have children or pets, consider leaving them with a relative or friend when you first inspect your home after a disaster
Check the outside of your home before you enter— look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines
If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, leave the property immediately and get far away. Call the fire department after you reach safety.
Residents can begin to clean up debris or ash; the Red Cross says residents should do so safely by wearing gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks. Goggles are also recommended for eye protection and an N95 respirator to limit the amount of ash breathed in.
‘They saved houses’: Mariposa resident thankful for crew’s response to French Fire
Officials say you should immediately wash off any ash that gets on the skin or in the eyes and mouth.
Because many previously evacuated neighborhoods still may not have power, the Red Cross says anyone planning to use a generator should follow these additional safety tips:
Keep your generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions
Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement or other partially enclosed area
Keep this equipment outside and away from doors, windows and vents, which could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors
Plug appliances directly into the generator.
Officials acknowledge the emotional impacts these circumstances can create and stress the importance of taking care of oneself during this recovery by eating healthy and getting enough sleep.
Anyone who needs to talk to someone as they take in this phase of recovery can call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
The American Red Cross invites anyone who has a desire to help people impacted by disasters to join their team and register to become a volunteer.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
