May is National Wildfire Awareness Month. While wildfires may seem more common in western states, recent dry spells and changing weather patterns have made our region increasingly vulnerable.
Here are a few tips and resources to help you prepare your congregation and community:
Create a Plan
- Know your evacuation zone and share it with your family. Make sure to have a plan for your pets and livestock. Download a Local Church Disaster Plan Template→
- Sign up for weather and community alerts to stay informed about changing conditions and if you need to evacuate. For the latest weather updates, view the National Weather Service websites for Morehead City, Raleigh, and Wilmington.
- Review your insurance policy to understand what it covers, how to file claims, and take a full inventory of your home and church.
- Make sure to have a list of important contacts and documents.
Build a Kit
- Gather enough supplies for your household for seven days. Include important documents, a first aid kit, cash, medicine, and pet items.
- Be careful when carrying flammable or combustible household products in your kit.
- Store N95 masks to protect against smoke inhalation.
- Keep your phones fully charged.
- Keep a kit in your car in case you have to evacuate.
Prepare Your Home & Church Property
- Identify a location in the building that can be closed off from outside air.
- Make sure there is a water hose in a central location to reach all parts of the building and property.
- Create a fire-resistant zone at least 30 feet from your home or building, clear of leaves, debris, and flammable materials.
Additional Resources