Wildfire and Brushfire Safety Preparation Tips For Avondale and Goodyear Residents

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Brushfires are a hazard in the area due to the dry climate and heat.

National Fire Prevention Week is currently taking place and as you already know from our previous blog, the theme this year is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix would like to help you and your loved ones with safety tips in the event of a possible wildfire or brushfire occurring near your home. Although wildfires and brushfires are not exactly a part of this year’s theme, we still feel it’s crucial information for Avondale and Goodyear residents to know since we do live in a dry desert climate.

According to the National Weather Service, Arizona has experienced the second hottest and third driest summer in over 100 years. According to Maricopa.gov, the top hazards we face in Maricopa County are flooding and wildfires. Monsoon season is officially over and we are still dealing with triple digit temperatures so wildfires and brushfires occurring at this time of year is still very likely. Here are some tips to practice with your family and loved ones to ensure everyone’s safety if a wildfire or brushfire is threatening your home.

Stay Informed

• Make sure you’re signed up to receive emergency notifications on your cell phone.

Have A Plan

• Create a disaster plan that accounts for everyone’s needs and safety. The plan should detail all possible exit routes from your home and identify where everyone should meet, preferably outside your home and another spot that’s included away from your home at another safe location.

Ready To Go

• Create a go bag which is essentially items in a bag that you can grab and take right away when you’re needing to make a quick exit during an emergency. Examples of items to place in your go bag include bottled water and snacks for energy, extra clothes, blanket, important documents, cash, rechargeable battery for your phone, first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, important medications and child care supplies. Of course, everyone’s needs vary so feel free to make whatever adjustments needed.

This past summer, areas around Scottsdale experienced brushfires which quickly spread near residential areas causing evacuations for many homes. The increase of dried vegetation this year was due to moisture from 2019 and early 2020 that caused for new growth of vegetation which eventually dried up. Because of the dry climate that we live in, it is important to know what to do and to be ready if a possible wildfire or brushfire occurs near your home.

For more information, check out maricopa.gov/Preparedness.