Situational awareness and a plan are keys to survive a wildfire

We live in a fantastic area, abundant with wildlife and boundless natural resources. It also seems everyone has their favorite “Little place up north”. Nature provides us with prairies, woodlands, and lowlands that give us all a place to escape the normality of life and just breathe in the fresh air. What happens when that air suddenly becomes a little smoky?

Do you just assume that it’s the “Smoke from Canada”? Nature goes through cycles and our rural areas can become vulnerable to wildfire. Your best chances of survival start with situational awareness.

Traffic will start to build as things get worse. Most people wait, hoping it’s just smoke that will soon dissipate. Cell service and internet connectivity is sketchy in most places we like to vacation. Before you head out, check out the conditions: https://glff.mesowest.org/map/#/c4462,-8390,7/g0/mc/vadjc/s/n/zt

Know alternate routes along the way. Some paths of travel my be closed due to dangerous fire conditions or even potential danger from a fast moving fire.

Be prepared for gridlock. Early evacuation is the smart move. Always have bottled water, blankets, and other supplies packed in your vehicle. In a worst-case situation, wrap up in a wet blanket and create yourself some air space. The blanket will act as an air filter.

Failure to plan is a plan to fail. Knowing your surroundings is the key to survival. For a firsthand account of a recent evacuation, follow the below link written by an emergency management colleague of ours as she became an evacuee herself while on vacation. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7221937025761898496