Safety tips to keep your family safe during wildfire season [Video]

IDAHO — The Red Cross of Idaho is sharing tips to keep families safe during wildfire season in the region.

“Wildfires spread very quickly, leaving you little time to get to safety,” said Scott O’Connell, regional disaster program officer for the Red Cross of Idaho, Montana and East Oregon. “Make sure you have an evacuation plan and practice it with every member of your household. Taking a few simple steps now can make all the difference later.”

Overall Wildfire Safety Tips:

• Keep the areas surrounding your home clear of brush and materials that may catch fire.
• Assemble an emergency kit to take with you when you evacuate. Items to include:
  • First-aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Cellphone with chargers
  • Medications
  • Family contact information
  • Nonperishable food and water
• Back your car into the garage or park it outside, facing the direction of your evacuation route.
• Confine pets to one room so you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
• …