Wildfire safety and preparation materials, including information on living in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

    • Check the map: You can use the state’s WUI map viewer on the ArcGIS Online
    • Wildfire Safety & Preparation Materials (General WUI) 
      • Defensible Space: Create a 30-100 foot zone around your home by removing dead vegetation, pruning trees, mowing grass short, and keeping roofs/gutters clear of debris.
      • Home Hardening: Use fire-resistant building materials and keep flammable items (like firewood, mulch) away from structures.
      • Ready, Set, Go!  This program helps residents prepare for evacuation in high-risk areas.
        • Ready (Level 1): Take proactive steps to harden your home against fire (e.g., creating defensible space) and assemble emergency kits before a threat exists.
        • Set (Level 2): Maintain high situational awareness when a fire is in the area. Prepare your family and pets for immediate departure and stay informed via local alerts.
        • Go! (Level 3): Evacuate immediately when danger is imminent. Do not wait for an official order if you feel unsafe

Holiday fire safety, heating safety, and appliance safety tips.

    • Holiday Decorating Safety
      • Christmas Trees: Keep real trees watered daily and at least 3 feet from heat sources; use flame-retardant artificial trees.
      • Lights: Inspect lights for frayed wires, connect strands per instructions, and turn them off when leaving or sleeping.
      • Candles: Use battery-operated candles, or place real ones in stable holders, 12 inches from anything flammable, and never on a tree.
      • Decorations: Use flame-retardant materials and keep them away from heat vents. 
    • Heating Safety 
      • Space Heaters: Keep them 3 feet from flammable items, place on flat surfaces, plug directly into wall outlets (no extension cords), and turn off when unattended.
      • Central Heating: Get annual professional inspections and check/change filters.
      • Fireplaces: Have chimneys inspected, never burn wrapping paper in them, and keep the hearth clear. 
    • Appliance & Cooking Safety
      • Cooking: Stay in the kitchen while frying/broiling, use timers, keep flammable items away from the stove, and keep kids/pets 3 feet away.
      • Electrical: Don’t overload outlets; avoid using damaged cords or plugging heaters/appliances into power strips/extension cords.
      • Check-Out: Turn off all small appliances and check the stove/oven before bed or leaving home. 
    • General Safety
      • Alarms: Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and ensure fresh batteries.
      • Fire Extinguishers: Keep one in the kitchen and check its expiration date.
      • Escape Plan: Practice a home fire escape plan. 

  • West Benton Fire Rescue wishes to share several important safety tips and reminders to prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.

    • Drive Safely
      • Be mindful of pedestrians. 
      • Always wear your seatbelt.
      • Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Fact.  41% of the drivers killed over the Fourth of July holiday period were drunk.
      • Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-share service to get home safely.
      • Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive. Alcohol and drugs can impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
      • If you see a possible impaired driver on the road, call 911.
    • Celebrate Safely
      • Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
      • Remember, alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
      • Never allow young children to go near fireworks.
      • Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost. 
    • Boat Safely
      • Always wear a life jacket when on the water. Make sure the jacket is a proper fit for your size and weight and that it is properly fastened. The U.S. Coast Guard reports 76% of boating deaths were due to drowning and 84% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.
      • Maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times. 
      • Be courteous and respectful to other boaters. 
      • Travel at a safe speed for the environment and conditions. 
      • Be sure you have and know how to use essential equipment, such as visual distress signals, sound producing devices, locator devices, fire extinguishers and navigation lights.
      • Check the latest forecast before leaving shore and watch for changing weather. 
      • Take a safe boating course and get a vessel safety check. 
      • Never boat under the influence. Drugs and alcohol impact your cognitive abilities, judgement, balance, coordination, reaction time and vision. Federal law prohibits boating under the influence of alcohol and drugs on all boats