What To Do When Trapped
What to Do When trapped
Being entrapped or burned over is very real threat for people living, working, or visiting rural areas. If you find yourself about to be trapped by approaching flames, use these wilderness survival lessons to protect yourself. If you have more time available, follow the home defense guidelines.
(1) REMAIN CALM
An approaching wildfire will be extremely loud, create extreme heat and smoke, and will likely evoke fear and panic. However, the active flame will pass. Generally, grassland burns for 10 minutes, brushland for 20 minutes and timberland for over an hour. |
(2) PREPARE SAFE ZONES
Near Home If there is a structure nearby, assess its ability to shelter you from the fire front.
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Out in Open Select an area that will not burn – the bigger the better – or failing that, an area with the least amount of combustible material (e.g., depression in the ground). Examples include irrigated pastures or golf courses, parking lots, large ponds and any other area that will not support combustion. This will offer the best microclimate to lessen the effects of fire on you. |
(3) PROTECT YOURSELF
Near Home Dress in protective clothing (long sleeve cotton shirt, heavy pants, vibram soled boots) and cover your face with a cotton handkerchief to protect yourself from smoke inhalation.
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Out in Open Use every means possible to protect yourself from radiant and convective heat emitted by the flames (e.g., boulders, rock outcrops, large downed logs, trees, snags, etc.). |
(4) HAZARDS AFTER FIRE
After the fire front has passed, be wary of potential hazards.
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(5) PREPARE EARLY
While these strategies will help keep you safe when under imminent threat of danger, the best way to increase your chances for survival is to Prepare Ahead of Time |