Experts Predict Busy Wildfire Season Ahead ─ Get Ready

There is a high probability that there will be more large wildfires than usual across the West, Midwest and Southeast through September. Right now, there are as many as 15 large fires burning and nearly 1.3 million acres across the country have already been scorched this year.

RED CROSS PREPARES In preparation for responding to wildfires, the American Red Cross is working closely with government officials and local partners to make sure people have a safe place to stay, food to eat and critical relief supplies if needed.

The Red Cross is also recruiting and training disaster volunteers and ensuring its nationwide fleet of response vehicles and warehouses are stocked with cots, blankets, comfort kits, cleanup supplies and more. These preparations are key to ensuring the organization can quickly mobilize to provide comfort and support if the worst happens.

GET READY NOW Being prepared is your best defense when disaster strikes. Take these simple steps and be ready:

• You and members of your household should have a plan to evacuate that includes knowing where you'll go, how you'll get there, and where you'll stay.
• Families may need to evacuate quickly with little notice. Create a plan that includes how you'll stay connected with each other.
• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government, which will include important information such as evacuation orders in an emergency.
• Download the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. To download, search "American Red Cross" in app stores, or go to redcross.org/apps.

DON'T FORGET YOUR PETS If you are a pet owner, make sure your emergency plan includes your furry friends.

• If it's not safe for you to stay behind, then it's not safe to leave pets behind either. Include them in your evacuation plan. Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate.
• Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house them separately.
• Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
• Make sure that your pet's vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.

WILDFIRE SAFETY A wildfire can spread very quickly, leaving you little time to get to safety. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice and obey all instructions from officials.

• Know where you will go, how you will get there and where you will stay. Plan well in advance if you'll need help leaving or use public transportation.
• If you have a car, ensure the gas tank is full and park it facing the direction of your evacuation route.
• Keep your pets in one room, so you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Monitor local weather and fires near you. Stay up to date on evacuation routes and road closures that could impact your plans.
• If you feel you are in danger leave immediately. You might not get an official notice to evacuate.
• Limit exposure to smoke and dust. Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• Don't use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves to help keep your indoor air clean.
• Don't return home until officials say it's safe to do so.