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Prepare Now for Wildfire and Smoke Season


Summer in Eugene is beautiful. It brings sunshine, fun outdoor activities, BBQs, and unfortunately, a higher risk of wildfire and smoke. A little preparation now can make a big difference if our community faces fire danger, evacuation warnings, or poor air quality.


Sign up for local alerts

Make sure your household is signed up for Lane Alerts, Lane County’s emergency notification system. These alerts can notify you about wildfires, evacuations, severe weather, and other local emergencies.

It is also helpful to know Oregon’s evacuation levels:

Level 1: Be Ready — Stay informed and start preparing.

Level 2: Be Set — Be ready to leave quickly.

Level 3: Go Now — Leave immediately.


Consider a free defensible space assessment

Eugene Springfield Fire offers wildfire preparedness information and defensible space resources. A defensible space assessment can help identify steps to reduce fire risk around your home, especially from embers, dry vegetation, bark mulch, fences, decks, and other flammable materials near the house.


Ways to reduce fire risk at home

Start with the areas closest to your house:

  • Clear leaves, pine needles, moss, and debris from roofs, gutters, decks, patios, and under-deck areas.

  • Move firewood, cardboard, cushions, dry planters, and other flammable items away from siding, vents, windows, and fences.

  • Consider replacing bark mulch near the house with gravel, pavers, or river rock.

  • Trim grass, shrubs, and low tree branches that can act as “ladder fuels.”

  • Keep your address number visible for firefighters and emergency responders.

  • Make sure driveways, and access routes are clear.

  • Test smoke alarms and avoid overloaded outlets or unattended heat sources.


Prepare for wildfire smoke

Smoke can affect health even when a fire is not close enough to require evacuation. This is especially important for children, older adults, pregnant patients, and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other chronic conditions.

Before smoke arrives:

  • Refill important medications early, especially inhalers, oxygen supplies, heart medications, diabetes medications, and essential prescriptions.

  • Keep N95 masks available for smoky days.

  • Check your HVAC filter and consider whether your system can safely use a MERV 13 filter.

  • Have extra filters available.

  • Consider a HEPA air purifier for the room where you spend the most time.

  • Create a “clean room” plan where windows and doors stay closed and air filtration is prioritized.


Build a go bag

Keep a small bag ready in case you need to leave quickly. Include:

  • Water and snacks

  • 7+ days of essential medications

  • Medication and allergy list

  • Glasses, contacts, hearing aid batteries, and medical supplies

  • Phone charger and backup battery

  • Flashlight or headlamp

  • N95 masks

  • Cash in small bills

  • Extra keys

  • Sturdy shoes and a change of clothes

  • Pet food, leash, carrier, medications, and vaccine records


Emergency binder checklist

Create a grab-and-go binder or folder with important information. Store it in a waterproof pouch, fire-resistant safe, or secure go bag. It is also helpful to keep an encrypted digital backup.

Include:

Identification

  • Passports

  • Driver’s licenses or state IDs

  • Birth certificates

  • Social Security cards

  • Marriage, divorce, adoption, immigration, or citizenship documents if applicable

Medical information

  • Medication list with doses

  • Allergy list

  • Medical conditions and surgeries

  • Vaccine records

  • Health insurance cards

  • Doctor, pharmacy, and specialist contact information

  • Advance directive, POLST, or medical power of attorney if applicable

Financial and insurance information

  • Homeowners or renters insurance

  • Auto, health, and life insurance policies

  • Mortgage, lease, or deed information

  • Vehicle titles or registration

  • Bank and credit card contact information

  • Photos or video of your home and belongings

  • Receipts, serial numbers, or appraisals for high-value items

Credit cards and digital access

  • Photos of the front and back of cards, or a list with the issuer, last four digits, and customer service number

  • Password manager emergency access instructions

  • Backup codes for important accounts

  • Secure cloud backup location for important documents and family photos

Emergency contacts

  • Household members

  • Local and out-of-area emergency contacts

  • Neighbors

  • Schools or childcare

  • Veterinarian

  • Utility companies

  • Employer contacts


Helpful local resources

Consider bookmarking these before fire season:


Start small

Preparedness does not have to be overwhelming. This weekend, sign up for alerts, clear the area closest to your home, refill important medications, and start your emergency binder. A few small steps now can make it much easier to respond quickly and safely later.

 
 
 
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