Back to School - Be Prepared
Wildland Fires
Drought
Additional Preparedness Resources

Back to School Preparedness

School house

Tips and information about school preparedness:

Staff Preparedness

Action links:

ARE YOU READY?

Does your child know who to contact after a disaster?

Action: Fill out an out-of-area contact card for all family members. Place cards in your wallet, purse or attach to your child's backpack.

If you have to pick up your child after a disaster, do you know your school's Reunification Plan?

Action: Contact the school and ask for a copy of the Parent/Student Reunification Plan and review it.

Does your child have a "Grab & Go Kit"?

Action: With your child, identify and place preparedness items in a backpack. Talk about why the items are necessary.

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Wildland Fires

Wildfire photo

Tips and information about wildland fires:

Wildfire Fact Sheet (PDF)
Fire information and prevention (DNR):
- Home safety (Word)
- How to protect your home (PDF)
- What to do if a wildfire approaches (PDF)
Wildland fires in Washington state (PDF)
"Living with Fire" - an educational game that puts you in the place of a fire manager.

Wildland Fires

Wildland fires are fires that are caused by nature or humans. These fires can result in the uncontrolled destruction of forests, field crops, grasslands, and property.

The wildland fire season in Washington usually begins in early July and typically culminates in late September. However, wildland fires have occurred in every month of the year. Drought, snow pack, and other local weather conditions can extend the length of the fire season.

Wildland fires can quickly spread and exceed fire suppression capabilities. Create a 'safe zone' or defensible space to protect your home and property.

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Drought

Photo of Drought

Tips and information about drought:

Drought

Drought is a prolonged period of dryness severe enough to reduce soil moisture, water and snow levels below the minimum necessary for sustaining plant, animal, and economic systems.

Droughts are a natural part of the climate cycle. In the past century, Washington State has experienced a number of drought episodes, including several that lasted for more than a single season – 1928 to 1932, 1992 to 1994, and 1996 to 1997.

Reduced precipitation during a drought means that groundwater supplies are not replenished at a normal rate. This can lead to a reduction in groundwater levels and problems such as reduced pumping capacity or wells going dry. During drought, or severe dry periods, conservation measures should be taken.

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*Don't forget...*Choose one hour each month to complete the designated activity and write it on your planning calendar.
Month #1 Activity: Develop an Action Plan	Month #2 Activity: Out-of-Area Contact
Month #3 Activity: Safely Storing Water	Month #4 Activity: 72-Hour Comfort Kit
Month #5 Activity: Important Documents	Month #6 Activity: Extended Events
Month #7 Activity: Under the Bed Items	Month #8 Activity: Utility Safety

Additional Preparedness Resources: Prepare your family, your home and your neighborhood. Prepare for Utility Safety. View "How To" preparedness video clips.