Wildfire Season Preparedness

Are you prepared for wildfire season?

Every year, devastating wildfires burn across the United States, with more and more people living where wildfires are a real risk. While these fires will continue to happen, there are things you can do to protect your home and neighborhood as well as your family’s safety.

Changes made to a structure and its surroundings within 100 feet can make a big impact and research shows that the first 0 to 5 feet around the structure, known as the immediate zone or noncombustible zone, has the greatest impact on your risk.

By working together, keeping this zone well-maintained and clear of combustible materials, residents can make their own property and their neighborhood much safer from wildfire.

Here is your checklist of things to do BEFORE a wildfire threatens your area:

wildfire preparedness

Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.

Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.

Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks, etc.) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.

Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.

Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.

Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.

Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.

Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8-inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.

Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.

Learn more about how to protect your home and property at www.ready.gov.

Important emergency preparation steps all Mid-Cities Medical patients should follow:

    1. Review all available safety components.
    2. Create and have an evacuation plan for your residence.
    3. Take as much oxygen and ventilation equipment with you, should you need to evacuate.
    4. Contact Mid-Cities Medical for emergency assistance and setup. You will need to provide us with your evacuation address and contact details.
      • Texas – 1 (888) 450-6676
      • CA & AZ – 1 (833) 986-4267

    If you have any oxygen or ventilation preparation questions during these ongoing events, or need emergency assistance, please contact our offices:

VISN 17 – Texas

Mid-Cities Medical – 1 (888) 450-6676

North Texas serviced from Grand Prairie, TX
Central Texas serviced from Woodway, TX & Austin, TX
South Texas serviced from San Antonio, TX
Valley Coastal Bend service from Corpus Christi & Mercedes, TX

VISN 22 – Arizona

Mid-Cities Medical – 1 (833) 986-4267

Phoenix serviced from Gilbert, AZ
Prescott serviced by Calox from Prescott, AZ
Show Low serviced from Show Low, AZ
Tucson serviced from Tucson, AZ

VISN 22 – Southern California

Mid-Cities Medical – 1 (833) 986-4267

Loma Linda serviced from Redland, CA
San Diego serviced from San Diego, CA

CalOx Inc. – 1 (866) 519-2414

Los Angeles serviced from Los Angeles, CA
Long Beach serviced from Los Angeles, CA

Emergency Resources

Wildfires are unplanned, dangerous fires that spread quickly and can devastate not only wildlife and natural areas, but also communities. Protect yourself and your family by staying informed with local forecasts, having a preparedness plan, and heeding guidance from local emergency management officials.

national weather service