Residents of New Mexico are being encouraged to prepare emergency go-bags and review evacuation routes as the state enters peak wildfire season, according to a May 26 announcement from the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.
Elouisa Tyler, Bureau Chief of the Consumer Assistance Bureau at OSI, said, “It’s critical for residents to review recommendations for go-bag essentials from organizations like New Mexico State Forestry and the Red Cross, should disaster arise. And remember, you do not have to wait for a formal evacuation order to leave. If you feel unsafe or threatened by fire conditions, evacuating early can help reduce risk and congestion on roadways. Preparation, awareness, and early action can help save lives during wildfire season.”
The agency advises that emergency preparedness should begin well before any immediate threat occurs. Residents are urged to create a Wildfire Action Plan that includes evacuation planning for homes, families, and pets; assemble an emergency supply kit with essential items such as copies of personal documents and property records; prescription medications; eyeglasses or contacts; changes of clothes; sturdy shoes; phone chargers or battery packs; spare car keys; complete a family communications plan with important contact information; and stay informed through local fire alerts.
Additional resources include following updates from New Mexico State Forestry Division of EMNRD and visiting NMFireInfo.com—a collaborative effort among federal and state agencies including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, State of New Mexico, and U.S. Forest Service—for timely fire information across the state. Residents may also subscribe to New Mexico State Forestry’s Wildfire E-mail Alert Service for notifications about wildfires on state or private land.
The Office also highlighted its video on wildfire preparedness available online along with more information about prevention strategies such as defensible space guidelines from New Mexico’s Forestry Division (EMNRD) and details about the Wildfire Prepared Home program.
The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance is responsible for regulating insurance products in New Mexico including health, life, auto, home, business, and title insurance. The Property and Casualty Bureau handles rate reviews related to disaster claims while the Consumer Assistance Bureau helps consumers navigate insurance disputes related to wildfires.
