Wildfire Info

During the Summer months, California suffers from wildfires that pollute the air and force evacuations of certain areas. It's important to be prepared and take measures to avoid health conditions. Here we provide a list of resources.

Remember that your best source of on-the-ground emergency information will always be university authorities and state/local government emergency websites.

Wildfires are a serious issue in Davis and California, especially during the Summer months. The two major concerns related to wildfires are unhealthy air quality and forced evacuations.

Official wildfire information for the state of California:

California wildfires official information website: https://www.fire.ca.gov/. Check current incidents in California and the daily wildfire report.
California wildfires official information Twitter: https://twitter.com/CAL_FIRE. Follow this account for quick updates.
Environmental protection agency (EPA): https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/wildfires

Remember, if you are in immediate danger and need emergency help call 911.

Monitor the air quality in your area and follow health guidelines

Wildfires can affect your health via unsafe air quality in Davis and nearby areas. Check air quality often and follow official guidelines.

Check the air quality in your area:

- National weather service: https://www.weather.gov
  - National weather service Air Quality Forecast Guidance: https://airquality.weather.gov/
- AirNow: https://www.airnow.gov/
- Purple air: https://www2.purpleair.com/

How to protect your health:
- Learn about particulate pollution and how they can affect your health
- Reduce your smoke exposure:

- - Indoors: Stay inside, do not add to indoor air pollution (like burning candles, use gas, etc.), use a portable air cleaner to reduce indoor air pollution (make sure it is sized for the room and that it does not make ozone).
  - Outdoors: Avoid going outdoors when the air quality is unsafe. Do not rely on dust masks or bandanas for protection from smoke. If you must be out in smoky conditions, an N95 respirator can protect you, if it is worn properly.
- Visit the AirNow publications website for more factsheets: https://www.airnow.gov/wildfire-smoke-guide-publications/

Prepare for wildfire evacuations

If a wildfire is threatening according health officials, put into place an emergency plan.

How to prepare for a wildfire?
- Check the official Cal Fire wildfire preparedness information https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/
- Wildfire preparedness video: https://twitter.com/CAL_FIRE/status/1304184746994352128
  1. Have an emergency supply kit ready
  2. Ensure a wildfire action plan is prepared ahead of time
  3. Prepare inside the house: shut all windows and doors, remove flammable window shades, curtains and close any metal shutters, move flammable furniture to the center of the room like couches, leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions and shut off your AC.
  4. Prepare outside the house: gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside or place them in your pool, turn off propane tanks, move propane BBQ appliances away from structures, don't leave sprinklers on or water running, leave exterior lights on, leave your car outside the garage and carry your keys with you.

Check local information:
- Familiarize yourself with your university’s emergency alert system and the local government emergency office. Make sure your information is updated in Sisweb to receive alerts in your cellphone.
- Know your community’s evacuation plans.

Other resources:
- Official CDC preparing for wildfires information: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/beforefire.html

Information on emergency preparedness and response: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/index.html
Wildfire weather safety: https://www.weather.gov/safety/wildfire

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