4 Tips to Prepare for Wildfire Season as an Older Adult in Colorado

As an older adult in Colorado, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your home during wildfire season.

Wildfires are incredibly dangerous and can spread quickly in Colorado during the dry season. These fast-moving fires can quickly cause damage to homes and property – often within minutes.

That’s why it’s essential for older adults living in Colorado to take the time to prepare for wildfire season. If your mobility is limited, it’s especially crucial to have a plan to evacuate quickly and safely if a fire breaks out.

If you are an older adult living in a fire-prone area of Colorado, read on to learn how to best prepare for wildfire season.

Colorado and Wildfires

Every year, wildfires pose a serious threat to Colorado. Colorado is the state in the US most at risk for wildfires.

On average, hundreds of wildfires burn more than hundreds of acres each year in Colorado.

These fires typically occur between May and October during Colorado’s dry season – making now the time to start preparing.

These fires serve as a reminder of just how destructive and devastating wildfires can be. It also highlights the importance of being prepared for wildfire season if you live in Colorado.

Why Prepare for Wildfire Season?

As an older adult, it’s imperative to take the time to prepare for wildfire season:

1. Wildfires can spread quickly and unexpectedly.

It’s essential to be aware of the dangers of wildfires and how fast they can spread. A wildfire can quickly destroy your home and property within minutes.

Older adults may not be able to evacuate as quickly as younger people, so it’s crucial to have a plan if a fire breaks out.

2. Wildfires can be very destructive.

Wildfires can cause a lot of damage to homes and property quickly. If you live in an area near wildfires, it’s essential to take steps to protect your home and property.

This may include clearing brush and debris around your home, installing fire-resistant siding, and creating a defensible space. We will cover many of these steps in more detail below.

3. Wildfires can be dangerous.

Wildfires are not only destructive, but they can also be very dangerous. The smoke from a wildfire can cause respiratory problems, and the heat from the fire can be deadly.

Older adults may be more susceptible to these dangers due to age-related health conditions. However, even if the fire isn’t spreading toward you, the smoke and heat can still pose a severe threat.

That’s why it’s so important to protect yourself from the dangers of wildfires. This may include creating an emergency plan, staying informed about local fires, and having a supply of face masks and air purifiers on hand.

Now that you know why it’s essential to prepare for wildfire season, let’s look at some of the best ways.

How to Prepare for Wildfire Season

As an older adult living in Colorado, there are several things you can do to prepare for wildfire season:

Tip 1: Stay Informed

One of the best things you can do to prepare for wildfire season is to stay informed about local fires. This way, you can be alerted if a fire does break out near your home and take steps to evacuate if necessary.

There are several ways you can stay informed about local fires:

– Check the news: Be sure to keep an eye on the local news for updates on any fires burning in your area.

– Sign up for alerts: Many counties in Colorado offer alert systems that will notify you if a fire breaks out near your home. You can typically sign up for these alerts online or through your county’s website.

Many of these resources include tips on creating an evacuation plan, what to do if you are asked to evacuate, and where to go for shelter. Many also feature an updated map of current fires in Colorado.

Tip 2: Make a Plan

If you live in an area at risk for wildfires, it’s crucial to have an evacuation plan. This way, you will know what to do if a fire does break out near your home.

Your evacuation plan should include:

– A list of local shelters: If you are asked to evacuate, you will need to know where to go. Make sure to have a list of local shelters in your area that you can go to.

– An evacuation route: You should also have an evacuation route planned out. This route should be away from the fire and any potential hazards.

– A plan for your pets: If you have pets, you will need to make sure they are taken care of. Ensure a list of pet-friendly shelters in your area or someone who can care for your pets if you need to evacuate.

– A plan for your medications: If you take any medication, you will need to make sure you have enough to last you a few days. You should also list any medical conditions you have if you need to go to the hospital.

Tip 3: Create a Defensible Space

Another important way to prepare for wildfire season is to create a defensible space around your home. This is an area where there is no vegetation or other combustible materials that could catch fire.

Creating a defensible space can help prevent your home from catching fire and give firefighters a better chance of saving your home if a fire does break out. This will also give you a place to go if you are asked to evacuate.

To create a defensible space, you will need to:

– Remove all dead vegetation: This includes dead leaves, branches, and other debris.

– Cut back trees and shrubs: Make sure to trim back any trees or shrubs near your home.

– Clear out any combustible materials: This includes things like firewood, propane tanks, and lawn furniture.

– Put up a fence: If you have a fence around your property, make sure it is made of non-combustible material such as metal or stone.

Tip 4: Prepare Your Home

There are also several things you can do to prepare your home for wildfire season:

– Remove any flammable materials: This includes things like curtains, rugs, and drapes.

– Keep your gutters clean: Make sure to remove any leaves or other debris from your gutters.

– Repair any roof damage: Be sure to fix any damaged shingles or other roof damage.

– Store flammable liquids properly: If you have any flammable liquids, such as gasoline, ensure they are stored in a safe place away from your home.

Stay Safe this Wildfire Season with Vintage

Wildfire season is upon us, and it’s essential to be prepared. By following these tips, you can help protect your home and yourself from the dangers of a wildfire.

If you or someone you know is living in Colorado, connect with  Vintage online today.

Vintage is the leading older adult resource team n Colorado, helping individuals and families with all aspects of life, from aging well in our beautiful state to staying safe no matter the season. To learn more, visit us online today!