By Gabe Kohler
The recent devastating wildfires and subsequent flash flooding are fresh in the minds of many New Mexicans – it can feel debilitating to grieve the loss of lives and property while the risk of danger remains. There are number of services available and actions that can be taken to help protect families and property in fire-affected areas.
The Forest Stewards Guild and the Fire Adapted New Mexico learning network (FACNM), in cooperation with partners, is sharing the “Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round” campaign message for August: Risk and Danger in the Post-Fire Environment.
The resource, After Wildfire, A Guide for New Mexico Communities, has been developed to assist individuals and communities following a wildfire. The guide is designed to help residents plan ahead for flooding and erosion. The guide includes information on personal and family safety, community mobilization, post-fire treatments, financial tips, flood information and additional resources such as caring for pets or livestock post-fire.
Both during and after a wildfire, immediate safety should be the first consideration. After a fire, flash flooding, structural damage, debris flows, road instability or tree damage may occur. It is critical to check with local officials before re-entering an area to ensure it is safe to do so. Additional tips include:
- Stay away from arroyos and channels, flooding or debris flows can be sudden, and ditches can be deadly
- Keep a battery-powered radio to listen to weather a flash flood alerts if you lose power
- Have an evacuation plan in place and make sure all family members practice it
- Only return home once authorities say it is safe to do so
- Do not drink or use faucet water after flooding until officials say it is safe to do so
- Use caution around trees and power poles, and never touch power lines
- Contact utility and gas companies prior to turning on any supplies that are not functioning or off
- Document damage and contact your insurance company prior to beginning clean-up efforts
NM’s local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) may be able to provide help after a wildfire or resulting natural disaster. For a listing of your SWCDs, visit the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts (NMACD) website.
Fires continue to burn throughout the state between episodes of monsoonal moisture. We can never let our guard down with wildfire.
The NM Living with Fire: A Guide for the Homeowner has steps home and property owners can take to reduce fire’s effects to structures and surrounding property. When the fire has less impact to your property, less effort is needed post-fire to stabilize soil or replant.
Gabe Kohler is Southwest Program Manager for The Forest Stewards Guild.