Wildfire preparedness is top of mind after the deadly wildfire in Tennessee. While news out of Gatlinburg showed managed wildlife facilities fared very well, it is a somber reminder that planning for such events is essential. Preserving human life is always the highest priority in an emergency situation and it is quite possible that your area will have a mandatory evacuation if threatened by wildfire. However, there are steps you can take beforehand to mitigate risk to your animals and your facility. Please see the below resources on wildfire preparedness for further information:
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
- General wildfire preparedness http://www.firewise.org/wildfire-preparedness.aspx
- Defensible space http://www.firewise.org/wildfire-preparedness/be-firewise/home-and-landscape/defensible-space.aspx
- Landscaping and plant lists http://www.firewise.org/wildfire-preparedness/firewise-landscaping-and-plant-lists.aspx
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- How to Prepare for a Wildfire https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1409003859391-0e8ad1ed42c129f11fbc23d008d1ee85/how_to_prepare_wildfire_033014_508.pdf
- Ready.gov wildfire preparedness https://www.ready.gov/wildfires
Red Cross
- Wildfire preparation, response, and recovery, including active wildfire maps http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/wildfire#Recover