A Mom’s Practical Guide to Fire Season Preparedness

Living in Wenatchee means we get to enjoy sunshine, stunning hikes, and that perfect dry heat. But come summer, we all start to feel that little twinge of anxiety: fire season. It's an unfortunate reality of life in Central Washington, but it doesn’t have to be panic-inducing. With a bit of prep, you can feel confident that your home and family are ready for whatever the season brings.

Here’s how Wenatchee moms can get a jump start on fire season — without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Make an Emergency Plan (and Practice It)

You don’t need a full-on doomsday bunker, but you do need a plan. Sit down with your family and talk through what you’d do in case of an evacuation. Pick a meetup location, decide how you'll contact each other if phones go down, and review multiple routes out of your neighborhood.

Keep it simple, especially for younger kids:

• “If we have to leave quickly, you grab your backpack.”

• “We meet at Grandma’s house if we get separated.”

• “If there's smoke, stay low and follow Mom.”

Do a quick family drill — yes, even with toddlers — and turn it into a game. It’s like a fire drill at school but cozier.

2. Pack a Go Bag (One for Each Family Member)

Every mom needs a solid “go bag” during fire season. These are backpacks or duffels you can grab in seconds if you need to evacuate quickly.

Here’s a basic list to get you started:

• Copies of important documents (insurance, ID, birth certificates)

• Change of clothes and underwear

• Toiletries and wipes

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Small first aid kit

• Phone and device chargers

• Comfort item for kids (stuffed animal, blanket, pacifier)

• Snacks and water bottles

• N95 masks for smoke

Don’t forget pets! Pack an extra leash, small food bag, collapsible water bowl, and any meds your furry friend might need.

3. Create a “Stay Kit” Too

Not every fire emergency means evacuation. Sometimes we’re stuck at home dealing with heavy smoke for days. A “stay kit” helps keep everyone healthy and comfortable indoors.

Include:

• HEPA air purifier (or DIY one with a box fan + furnace filter)

• Extra filters for your HVAC or mini-split system

• N95 masks for any outdoor needs

• Board games, puzzles, books, and screen-free boredom busters

• Grocery staples that don’t require cooking

• Batteries, candles, and a backup power bank

4. Fireproof Your Yard (As Best You Can)

We all love our dry sagebrush and wild PNW landscaping, but it’s a good idea to create a defensible space around your home.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Trim tree branches so they’re at least 10 feet from your home and roof

• Keep grass and weeds short (especially near fences and decks)

• Clear pine needles, dead leaves, and flammable debris from gutters

• Move firewood, gas cans, and patio cushions away from the house

Even small changes help slow the spread and give firefighters a better shot at protecting your home.

5. Know Where to Get Information

In the heat of the moment, it’s hard to know who to trust or what’s actually happening. Set up your information sources ahead of time:

• Chelan County Emergency Alerts: Sign up for notifications via Everbridge

• Facebook Groups: Follow Chelan County Emergency Management for the most up-to-date info on local fire

• Apps: Watch Duty, PulsePoint, and AirNow for smoke/air quality

• Local News: KPQ radio and NCW Life channel are good go-tos

6. Prep Your Kids Emotionally

Kids pick up on our stress, even if we try to hide it. Talk to them calmly about what fire season is and how your family stays safe. Avoid graphic images or dramatic news reports, and instead focus on preparedness.

Use simple language:

• “Sometimes there are fires in the hills. It’s okay — we know what to do.”

• “We have bags packed just in case, but that doesn’t mean anything bad is happening.”

Let them help pack their bag or decorate it with stickers. It gives them a sense of control.

7. Check Your Insurance & Documents

No one likes this step, but it’s important: take photos or videos of your home’s interior for insurance purposes. Double-check that your homeowners or renters’ insurance covers wildfire damage. Store digital copies of key documents in the cloud or email them to yourself for easy access.

Fire season isn’t fun, but being prepared can make it a lot less scary. And the truth is, Wenatchee moms are some of the most resilient, resourceful women around. You’ve got this.

Let’s hope we don’t need any of these steps this year — but if we do, we’ll be ready.

Stay safe, stay calm, and stay connected, Valley Moms. ❤️