Hazards and Threats: Natural Hazards
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Wildfires
Wildfires are most prevalent in rural environments, but they can spread to more populated areas. Make sure that you're ready if threatened by wildfire.
What is a wildfire?
A wildfire, or forest fire, is an uncontrolled fire that occurs where natural vegetation is the predominant ground cover. Though wildfires usually occur in less developed, rural areas, they can threaten urban environments if they are not brought under control.
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What areas in Virginia are most vulnerable?
Wildfires can and do occur all across Virginia, and no area is without risk. However, areas that are classified in the Wildland Urban Interface are at higher risk. The WUI is an area where developed land intermingles with or is adjacent to wildlands.
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What are the likely impacts of a wildfire?
Impacts of a wildfire include direct property damage, cost of suppression and damage to personal property and natural resources. The severity of effects is directly related to the intensity and extent of the wildfire.
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How can I protect my employees?
- Train your employees in general fire safety, especially for tasks with a high fire risk, such as welding and cutting, fueling vehicles, working with flammable liquids, etc.
- Teach employees about the importance of good housekeeping and grounds maintenance in preventing and controlling fires.
- Have an adequate number of appropriate fire extinguishers and maintain them properly.
- Train key employees in when and how to use fire extinguishers.
- Consider when and how to evacuate employees if a wildfire threatens.
- Establish an evacuation plan and keep it up to date.
- Hold evacuation drills regularly so all employees will know who is in charge and so that they become familiar with evacuation routes and routines.
- Make sure all employees can get out of the building, find shelter and communicate with a responsible person.
- Plan primary and secondary exits from your buildings. Consider how employees will escape if doors or windows are blocked by an exterior fire.
- Plan two evacuation routes out of your neighborhood. Consider how employees will evacuate on foot if roads are closed or impossible to use, such as if they are blocked by emergency personnel.
- Remember that ponds, lakes, rivers and landscaping or swimming pools can serve as safety zones.
- Keep appropriate emergency supplies on hand, including flashlights, battery-powered portable radio, extra batteries, first-aid kit, manual can opener, non-perishable foods and bottled water. If designated employees will be working to protect the property, have appropriate clothing available, such as work boots and gloves, personal protective equipment and sturdy work clothes.
- Teach employees about wildfire risks and preparedness. Provide information to help employees protect their homes, too.
- If you are located in a wildfire area, consider advising employees to keep personal disaster supplies and copies of important documents at work in case they need to evacuate from work without being able to get home.
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How can organizations prepare for a wildfire?
Any organization, especially those located within the Wildland Urban Interface, needs to take actions to reduce its wildfire risk. These actions include using firewise materials in construction and developing/landscaping its properties with fire risk in mind. Many solutions and options can be found at www.firewisevirginia.org or www.firewise.org.
Some specific guidelines that organizations can follow to prepare for wildfires include the following:
- Keep an adequate number of appropriate fire extinguishers in strategic locations (such as near loading docks and waste collection areas) and maintain them properly.
- Train key employees and their backups on how to use extinguishers correctly.
- Consider maintaining a water supply at your facility to control small fires until emergency personnel can arrive. You might install a water tank or install hoses and pumps to an existing swimming pool, pond, river or lake. Be sure the hoses are long enough and inspect them regularly.
- If your business is located in an area subject to freezing temperatures, be sure that water outlets and pumps are protected.
- Evaluate water levels in extreme hot and cold weather conditions.
- If your water pump uses electrical power, consider obtaining a gasoline- or diesel-powered pump or generator in case electricity is cut off during a fire. However, be aware of the risk of storing a large quantity of fuel. Use an appropriate storage facility that is protected against vehicle impacts and fire.
- Have appropriate tools, such as rakes, axes, saws, buckets and shovels, available to help control small fires while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.
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What should businesses do when responding to wildfires?
Businesses should prepare prior to a wildfire just as they would prepare for any natural disaster. Developing a business continuity plan is especially important (see our section on Planning). Arrangements should be made for the security of their property and company resources. You should listen for emergency information and obey all evacuation recommendations/requirements. Visit the Responding section of this site for more detailed information.
Read more about responding to wildfires.
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