By Paige Orr, FOX23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA — As a state of emergency remains in effect across Oklahoma, emergency officials and wildfire survivors are urging residents to take immediate steps to protect their homes and prepare for rapid evacuations.
Much of the state remains under a Red Flag Warning due to a dangerous combination of low humidity, dry vegetation and gusty winds that can turn a single spark into an unmanageable blaze in seconds.
Andy Little with the Tulsa Fire Department said preparation for these conditions starts with home maintenance.
He recommends residents create a defensible space around their structures by removing flammable materials like wood piles or construction debris, and clearing out dead shrubs.
“Around your home, if you have wood, construction materials, anything that’s flammable around your home, remove that from your home a good distance, even dry, dead shrubs. Anything that could catch fire should be cleaned up. It’s a good idea to mow and keep your grass low so that it doesn’t have a lot of fuel to burn.”
For those in more rural areas, the risk is compounded by the speed at which fire travels and the distance between fire stations.
Matt Trotter with the American Red Cross of Eastern Oklahoma said that while prevention is key, every household must have a plan in place for when evacuation becomes necessary.
“You want to have three days of supplies in there,” said Trotter, describing what people should keep inside emergency go bags. “You’ve got a gallon of water per person per day. You have pets? They might need food in that go kit. Then you want things like portable cellphone chargers, things like that. Anything that people are definitely going to need in that three day span.”
The urgency of that message is echoed by Tim Lanham and Paula Vanegas, a Terlton couple who lost their home to a wildfire last year. Having just moved into their rebuilt home this past January, they said the current fire activity in the state has been emotionally overwhelming.
Lanham said that looking back, he wishes he had been more prepared by having a designated spot for important paperwork and a more concrete plan for their animals.
“If I’d have been more fire-oriented, I would have done everything different,” said Lanham. “I would have had a spot for paperwork and jewelry. Anything valuable, I would have buried it or had a root cellar or something like that that I could have put it in. Definitely would have done things a lot differently with the animals, seeing as we did lose a few.”
Vanegas said the most important thing a family can do today is to run through a mental drill of what they would grab if they only had ten minutes to get out and never return.
“Have a plan of preparation for if you had to leave and be out of your house within ten minutes and never go back, never have anything else, what would you take? Could you take all of your animals? Could you get everything that you need? And that’s a real plan.”
Both survivors noted that, as they rebuild, they’ve opted for more fire-resistant materials like metal siding and tin roofing, while also keeping several fire extinguishers around their property.
Vanegas emphasized that while the loss of property is devastating, the priority must always be the safety of people and pets.
“My people, my animals. They matter more than anything that we lost.”
Residents can find more information on shelter locations, evacuation checklists and real-time fire safety updates by visiting the Red Cross’ website here or by downloading the free Red Cross emergency app.
Local fire officials also remind the public to adhere strictly to all burn bans and to avoid any outdoor activities that could produce sparks until the current weather conditions improve.
