Wildfires and Emergency Preparedness with Farm and Home Extension
Ag Services has decades worth of information available to you for free. Please take advantage of it.
Oklahoma State University has a whole category for Wildfires.
Here's the email I received from the Beaver County, Oklahoma Extension office:
Good afternoon,
We hope this information will help with some of your concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 405-780-4569 and Extension staff will be available to assist you.
Wildfire Evacuation Checklist
Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18GSUZL2uH/
Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DU6dD7sjnsv/?img_index=1
OSU Extension Wildfire Resources Home Page
https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/emergency-and-disaster-preparedness/wildfire/
Evacuation
Evacuating in the event of a wildfire
Wildfire can force families to leave their homes, and those evacuation warning signs often come quickly.
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Wildfires can move fast. Being ready to evacuate can make all the difference.
Stay alert to weather and emergency alerts, keep your go-bag stocked and have a plan for your family and pets so you can leave quickly if needed.
Mental Health
Mental health essentials following wildfires
Learn why caring for your mental health is just as important as physical recovery in the aftermath of a wildfire.
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Wildfire recovery isn’t just about rebuilding what was lost; it’s also about taking care of yourself.
OSU Extension offers guidance to help individuals and families recognize stress, cope with trauma and find support during the recovery process.
Farm and Ranch Care
Supporting your ranch or farm during wildfires
Immediate guidance to help protect livestock, property and operations as wildfires unfold.
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Wildfires can spread quickly across open land, putting livestock, buildings and equipment at risk. Take time now to reduce fuel around structures, plan evacuation routes and organize supplies so you can act fast when conditions change.
Explore how wildfire impacts different types of fencing and what to consider when assessing repairs and replacements.
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Wildfires can weaken fencing and create hidden hazards for your livestock.
Inspect posts, wire, braces and gates carefully before letting animals back into pastures. Identifying damage early helps ensure your fences are safe and your herd stays protected.
Handling livestock after wildfires (VIDEO)
Learn the immediate steps to safely assess, care for and support livestock after a wildfire.
Do not forget about post‑wildfire trauma in livestock
Understand the signs of post‑wildfire stress and trauma in livestock and how to support their recovery after a fire.
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Even after the fire is out, your animals need care.
Wildfires can cause stress, injury and behavioral changes in livestock. Check your herd carefully, provide a safe and calm environment and monitor their recovery. Attention to their well-being helps your operation get back on track.
Wildfire: what's next with Dr. Amy Hagerman (VIDEO)
If a wildfire has impacted your property, here’s what to do next to protect your safety, livestock and home.
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Wildfire damage can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the next steps alone.
Dr. Amy Hagerman walks through what to do immediately after a wildfire to protect your safety, livestock and home.
Federal programs for beef cattle after wildfire
Disaster relief programs for wildfires (VIDEO)
Learn how current disaster relief programs can support producers and landowners recovering from wildfire losses.
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If your herd was affected by wildfire, federal assistance may be available to support recovery.
Programs exist to help beef cattle producers with costs related to livestock loss, feed, fencing and more. Check eligibility and start the application process to access resources that can aid your operation’s rebound.
Livestock feeding and animal welfare after wildfires (VIDEO)
Get practical guidance on maintaining livestock nutrition and welfare when wildfire disrupts normal feeding and management routines.
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Wildfire damage can leave livestock stressed, displaced, or without access to their usual feed sources.
OSU Extension experts share guidance on keeping animals healthy and well‑fed after a fire.
Carcass disposal after wildfires (VIDEO)
Understand safe, legal and practical options for disposing of livestock carcasses after a wildfire.
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Producers facing livestock losses after a wildfire have important decisions to make.
OSU Extension walks through legal requirements and safe disposal methods to help you move forward responsibly.
Emergency Go Bag, Food Resources
Relying on your go‑bag when wildfire strikes
Quick access to critical items can help you respond safely during rapidly changing fire conditions.
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An emergency kit is one of the most important steps you can take before severe weather strikes. Keep kits at home or in vehicles and ready to grab if you need to shelter or evacuate.
Safe water, food and medicine are important after a wildfire
Learn how to ensure your water, food and medicine remain safe to use after wildfire exposure or smoke contamination.
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As a general rule, when in doubt, throw it out. Ensure water is safe, food is uncontaminated and medications are intact before use. These essentials are critical for protecting your family, livestock and overall recovery.
Power Outages
Food safety concerns during a power outage
Wildfire conditions can cause sudden outages, making it critical to know how long food stays safe without refrigeration.
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Power outages can put your food and your family at risk.
Keep refrigerators and freezers closed, know how long foods stay safe and have a plan for cooking or storing perishables during an outage. A little preparation helps prevent foodborne illness when the lights go out
Assessing Home & Land Damage
Assessing damage outside and inside of homes after a wildfire
Learn how to safely evaluate structural damage inside and outside your home after a wildfire to protect your family and guide recovery decisions.
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Wildfires can leave hidden dangers even after the flames are out.
Only enter your property when it is safe. Check outside for hot spots, downed power lines and unstable structures. Inside, look for weakened floors, walls and ceilings, and document damage for insurance. Taking precautions protects you and your family.
There is light at the end of the tunnel after a wildfire
This resource offers encouragement and practical steps to help families and landowners navigate recovery after wildfire loss.
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Recovery after a wildfire is a journey, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Take steps to restore your land, care for livestock and rebuild your farm or ranch safely. With planning, patience and support, you can move forward and regain stability after the fire.
Simple steps to safeguard your home from wildfire (VIDEO)
Learn simple, actionable steps you can take today to help protect your home from the threat of wildfire.
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Wildfires can spread fast—being prepared can make all the difference.
This quick video walks you through simple steps to help safeguard your home and reduce wildfire risk.
Preparedness is so important. I can't stress it enough. If this is overwhelming, please consider joining me: https://www.prairiedusttrail.com/
If you need help finding the Extension services in your state, please let me know.
