Preparing Before Disaster Strikes
As wildfire season intensifies across North Idaho and natural disasters remain an ever-present threat, Bonner County residents should take concrete steps now to protect themselves and their families, according to Cameron La Combe, planning and preparedness coordinator for Bonner County Emergency Management.
The foundation of emergency preparedness begins with basic supplies and a clear action plan. La Combe emphasized the importance of advance planning, noting that “it’s having a way out, of planning ahead or being aware of what to do and where to go ahead of time.”
Every household should maintain at least a three-day supply of water and three-day supply of high-energy, non-perishable food. These provisions form the baseline for weathering disruptions to utilities or supply chains during an emergency.
Hardening Your Home Against Wildfire
For Bonner County residents facing wildfire risk, structural improvements can significantly reduce vulnerability. Roofs should carry a Class A fire rating with metal angle flashing installed on edges to prevent ember penetration. Multi-paned windows, when possible, help minimize heat transmission during a fire event.
The area immediately surrounding a home requires the most attention. The immediate zone extends to the perimeter of the structure itself. In this zone, residents should ensure crawl space vents are fitted with 1/8-inch mesh screens to block embers from entering below the home.
The intermediate zone extends 5 to 30 feet from the home’s foundation. Here, homeowners should remove ground fire ladder fuels—branches and vegetation between 0 and 4 to 5 feet above the ground—which can allow fire to climb from lower vegetation into tree canopies. Firewood should be kept at least 30 feet away from the home to prevent ignition sources near structures.
The extended zone stretches 30 to 100 feet from the furthest attached area of the home. Clearing and thinning in this zone reduces overall fire intensity as it approaches residential areas.
Maintaining windows is often overlooked but essential. Regular cleaning of window screens removes fluff and debris that can accumulate and become fuel during a fire event.
Getting Alerts and Planning for Evacuation
Staying informed during an emergency depends on advance registration for alert systems. Residents can sign up for Nixle alerts to receive emergency notifications directly, ensuring they receive timely information about evacuations or other threats.
Digital backup of critical information protects against loss of phone access during an emergency. La Combe recommended storing important documents and emergency contacts on a thumb drive: “It’s important to have that available and to put it on a thumb drive because if you lose your phone, you can plug that in and access that information.”
What Comes Next
Bonner County residents interested in comprehensive wildfire preparedness guidance can visit the Firewise USA website at firewise.org, a program of the National Fire Protection Association. The site offers detailed checklists, zone-specific recommendations, and additional resources tailored to different risk profiles.
Emergency preparedness is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. As summer fire season progresses and other seasonal threats emerge, now is the time to audit supplies, clear defensible space around your home, and ensure your family has a communication plan. La Combe’s office stands ready to assist Bonner County households in taking these protective measures.