Ways Texans can prepare for extreme wildfire danger
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As extreme wildfire conditions are expected across the Panhandle Thursday, Texas A&M Forest Services want Texans to be prepared and have an evacuation plan in place in case of a wildfire or other disaster.
Extreme critical fire weather is expected near Amarillo, Borger, Canadian, Childress, Lubbock, Pampa and Perryton, the agency said in a news release Wednesday. The extreme weather includes high winds, above normal temperatures, along with low humidity, that "will align with dry grass vegetation across the area and may result in large wildfires that are difficult to control."
“With recent wildfire activity and wildfire potential, we have strategically positioned personnel, equipment and aircraft in areas at risk,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief, in the release. “This also means Texans should prepare themselves in case of an emergency.”
Texans can prepare for an evacuation plan, including assembling a Go Kit that can meet the needs of all family members and start with the five P’s:
- People and Pets – plan for the whole family, including pets and livestock
- Prescriptions – bring extra medication, eyeglasses, hearing aids and medical equipment including necessary batteries and power cords
- Papers – include copies of insurance information, phone numbers and other important documents
- Personal needs – pack personal items including clothes, food, water, toiletries, first aid kit, cash, computers/tablets, phones, chargers and sanitation supplies
- Priceless items – include items of sentimental value, such as pictures, heirlooms and irreplaceable memorabilia.
Other tips include for evacuation planning include:
- Identify at least two evacuation routes, in case one is impacted, and save them in a navigation system or phone.
- Practice your evacuation plan. Locate and load your Go Kit into your vehicle and drive your evacuation routes. Include all individuals at your home in this drill and ensure they are confident with the plan.
- Work with your local emergency responders. Learn what to expect, how you will be notified during an emergency and determine if you need to register for a notification service.