When it comes to wildfire safety, there is a lot of information to keep in mind.
That's why Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue held a media wildfire safety course.
Instructors say that staying prepared and having an escape route can save you valuable time, and it may even end up saving your life.
"Have a plan. Have a go-kit ready to go. Residents, have all your medications easily accessible. Have your vehicle fueled up and ready to go and know which way you are going to get out if you have to," said Rob Stults, Logistics coordinator with Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue.
Some other items to have in an emergency evacuation kit include food and water, cell phones or batteries, and emergency contact information in the event you separate from the people you are with.
Today's course also went over situational awareness, how weather affects fires, and last resort personal protective measures in the event you find yourself with no escape.
One instructor hopes to continue teaching these courses as it makes it easier for first responders and media to work together to keep residents safe and informed.
"We recognize that they are doing us a service by reporting and getting that valuable information out to our community, and to our neighborhoods, and to our residents on how it may be impacting them. Whether it's evacuation notices or where to go for an evacuation shelter, for instance," said Adam Mayberry, communications officer with Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and there are multiple events you can take part in if you want to learn more information.
On May 9 there is a fire webinar at 12:00pm on Zoom.
On May 16, there is another informational webinar at 11:30am.
From May 20 through May 24, you can participate in the Declutter Your Gutter Challenge.
If you take a before and after picture of you cleaning out your gutter and email the picture to LWF@unr.edu, you can receive a free Yeti tumbler.
For access to the webinars and more information, visit the website www.livingwithfire.org
