Drought Safety Tips

Dry conditions often lead to brush and/or wildfires, posing a risk to anyone in the area. Local officials may implement burn bans or even issue mandatory evacuations if a fire poses a direct risk to your life. Always follow these directives; ignoring it may cost your life.

Because drought increases the risks of hazardous air quality, fires and heat waves, there are several safety measures officials may put in place. Make sure to monitor the air quality and follow any guidelines issued by your local weather office. Those with respiratory illnesses, pets and small children are most at risk from hazardous air quality, so be sure to take extra caution if you or anyone in your care falls in that category.

When living in drought conditions, water supply is always the main concern. There are plenty of steps you can take to reduce your water footprint, such as:

• Identifying and fixing leaks
• Run the washer/dishwasher only when necessary and full
• Take shorter showers
• Select energy and water efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances
• Water your lawn less frequently and in the cooler parts of the day (morning and evening)
• Check local incentives—some places in the Southwest offer rewards for pulling up lawns and replacing them with drought resistant plants

Rising temperatures may cause some regions to become more arid or experience more frequent droughts. As such, it's important for everyone to learn drought safety tips. Drought can affect anyone, so being mindful of your impacts on the land is important for everyone to learn.

Source: weather.gov
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Story Image: Drought via Pixabay