Safety Kit: How to prepare for wildfires | Sichuan Preparedness Kit Co.,Ltd

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between BPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.

When a disaster hits, it can feel chaotic. Time is of the essence, so it is important to be prepared.

Spring is fire season in Western North Carolina, and after an active start, there may be more wildfires to come. Months of intermittent drought throughout North Carolina, along with increased fire risk from Helene-related debris and downed trees, put us at risk of further conflagrations. Here are some tips on how to prepare.

One of the best preparations you can make is to know where to access reliable, up-to-date information. BPR offers a text only version of our site. Bookmark it in your phone in case internet services are limited.

In addition to tuning in to BPR, consider these steps before a disaster strikes:

Your local officials are the best source of information on wildfires. Counties are the main point of contact for emergency services in North Carolina. They are often a separate agency in larger, more populated areas; in smaller communities, fire chiefs or sheriff’s offices may manage emergency response and alerts. If you’re having trouble finding your local department, search for your state or territory.

Some examples of where to register for county alert systems in North Carolina are below. Some, but not all, counties and cities have alerts available in Spanish.

You can also sign up for statewide alerts from Weatheready NC.

Keep an eye on wildfire trackers.

Download the FEMA app.

You can download the app on Google Play or Apple to get alerts, find emergency shelters in your area, and more. You can also download the app via text messaging. On an Android device, text ANDROID to 43362 (4FEMA); On an Apple Device, text APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA).

Obviously, if you can see haze and smell smoke, the air quality is not good and you should limit your outdoor activities.

Soot and smoke from fires contain particulate matter, or PM. Burned structures can also contribute to high particulate matter because they can release substances including lead and asbestos in the air.

According to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the smallest particles, — PM2.5 — are 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair and can pass deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream, causing coughing, asthma attacks, or elevated heart rates. Children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung disease are more at risk.

The DEQ releases air quality conditions daily. Check your county here.

If your house or workplace was near the fire, you may notice a smell for weeks after. The University of Colorado Boulder has guidance on how to mitigate the smell by changing your HVAC air filters, letting in fresh air when it is safe, and deep cleaning surfaces.

How to pack an emergency kit

It is important to have an emergency kit ready in case you lose power or need to leave your home. Review this checklist from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, for what to pack so you can stay safe, hydrated, and healthy.

These can often be expensive to create, so contact your local disaster aid organizations, houses of worship, or charities to see if there are free or affordable kits available. Ideally, this will be packed well in advance of hurricane or fire season; gather as much as you can ahead of time in case shelves are empty when a disaster hits.

Some of the most important things to have:

Don’t forget: Documents

One of the most important things to have in your emergency kit is documents you may need to prove your residence, demonstrate extent of damage, and to vote. FEMA often requires you to provide these documents in order to receive financial assistance after a disaster.

Keep these items in a waterproof folder or container. You can find more details about why you may need these documents here.

Most of the fires burned on public land in the March 2025 wildfires in Western North Carolina, so not many structures were damaged. However, that could quickly change the next time there’s a wildfire. While many evacuation orders have been rescinded, they could pop back up if conditions change this spring or in the fall wildfire season.

It is important to have a plan in case there’s an evacuation order in your area, or you decide you want to evacuate on your own. FEMA has a list of key things to know when planning an evacuation.

How do I protect my home from a fire?

The list below contains tips from several sources, including FEMA and the National Fire Protection Association.

Are there additional recommendations or access to support for folks with disabilities who are evacuated during a fire?

FEMA has a list of planning steps for people with disabilities. Some of these recommendations include:

It is critical to know your rights during a disaster. Disability Rights North Carolina monitors shelters to make sure people with disabilities have what they need, advocate for people who are denied accommodations, and work with communities to ensure people with disabilities are included in disaster planning.

Disabled people have a right to all disaster alerts in a format that is accessible. The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, a disability-led nonprofit focused on disasters, has a list. They run a hotline as well for any questions: (800) 626-4959 or [email protected].

Is there guidance for folks returning to their homes after evacuating?

Before you start walking around the property:

Then, start to take photos and videos for any insurance claims or aid applications you may apply for.