Budget For Smoke Prep During Mississippi Wildfire Season

Mississippi is especially vulnerable to wildfires during spring and fall because of dry, windy conditions and low humidity in those seasons. Therefore, residents need to plan for seasonal costs in Mississippi related to protecting themselves, their families, and their homes from wildfire smoke. 

If you are new to the area or want to up your preparation budget, Mississippi Title Loans, Inc. is here to help. We're going over everything you need to prepare for wildfire season, including the costs involved, so that you can ensure your safety. We'll even share a way to overcome unexpected seasonal costs with an emergency loan, such as a Mississippi title loan, payday loan, or installment loan.

Everything You Need To Prep For Wildfire Smoke

Getting ready for wildfire smoke can feel daunting at first, especially if you've never lived in a fire-prone state. Still, we've compiled the list below to assist you. Think of it as a basic survival checklist for the season to make sure you have all the essentials if wildfire smoke impacts your area.

Here are some of the items necessary to help with seasonal smoke prep:

1. Air Purifier

Cost: $155

The smoke plumes from large wildfires can become so massive that they are visible from space. Unfortunately, all that smoke has to go somewhere. Hopefully, that "somewhere" isn't your home, but if it is, an air purifier will be your best friend.

If you already have central AC, you can improve air quality throughout your home instead of just one room by upgrading the filters in your system. Nordic Pur's MERV 12 filters are dense enough to trap fine particulates — including smoke.

2. Water Container

Cost: $31

During an evacuation, having a water vessel on hand adds an extra layer of safety that can't hurt, especially if you're traveling with pets. A water container allows you and your family to stay hydrated while getting to a safer location.

For wildfire preparedness purposes, you can't go wrong with the Reliance Aqua-Tainer. It's a seven-gallon container that's durable and leak-resistant.

3. Respirator

Cost: $21 for a pack of ten to $70 for nondisposable

If the air quality is poor where you are and where you're going, you should wear a respirator when you're outside. It can help filter the air you breathe or provide clean air from an independent source.

Thankfully, the 3M 8511 N95 Cool Flow Valve Particulate Respirators are very affordable and certified to filter out 95% of harmful particles. They are disposable, so if you're seeking a non-disposable option, try the 3M 6501QL Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece.

4. Battery Pack

Cost: $30

Utility companies tend to shut the power off to protect emergency responders from electrical hazards during wildfires. Some may even initiate shutoffs in the event of high winds and dry conditions as a precautionary measure. Thus, you could find yourself without power and requiring backup charging.

Having an emergency battery pack allows you to charge your phone to stay up to date on updates for the smoke in your area. Some even come with lights to help illuminate the darkness if you lose power.

5. Extra Batteries

Cost: $6 for eight

Sometimes, disposable batteries are more sensible than rechargeable ones, and wildfires are one such scenario. After all, rechargeable options are of little use if you don't have power to charge them.

Keeping double and triple A batteries handy can help power flashlights if you lose power. You should be able to find packs of these at local convenience stores. Buy in bulk to ensure you have plenty handy for emergency situations.

6. Emergency Radio

Cost: $70

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards broadcasts local weather updates and emergency information for all hazards, including wildfires. However, you won't be able to tune in unless you have a radio that can work with weather bands (i.e., the correct frequencies). 

Emergency radios tend to come with effective charging, flashlights, and improved reception — a far cry from the standard radio you may be more familiar with.

7. Safety Goggles

Cost: $11

During a wildfire, you can't get away from the smoke, even if you manage to travel miles from the actual fire. If you plan to be outside, you need to wear safety goggles alongside your respirator to shield your eyes from the smoke.

They can prevent airborne particles like ash and smoke from affecting your vision. You can also prevent eye damage caused by heat, debris, and UV radiation to avoid long-term sight problems.

8. First Aid Kit

Cost: $20

Since you may have to travel through difficult conditions caused by a wildfire, you or a family member could get injured. Falling debris and fires can cause physical harm, so having a first aid kit is helpful for handling minor injuries before you can reach professional medical help.

Some may prefer to assemble their own first aid kit, but the First Aid Only 298 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit removes the guesswork, ensuring you don't overlook any essential items. It includes supplies for minor cuts, grazes, and burns, as well as trauma pads, gauze, and dressing pads for more serious injuries that might happen during natural disasters.

9. Headlamp

Cost: $55

You never know how quickly you'll need to leave your home during a wildfire. The power may be out when you do, so a headlamp helps you traverse terrain with confidence. 

You can see fallen debris with a headlamp to avoid tripping over it. A headlamp is especially helpful if you need to travel at night.

10. Wildfire Go Bag

Cost: Varies drastically. $85 to $400

Wildfires spread quickly and unpredictably. Both smoke and flames can shift direction suddenly, leaving little to no time to gather the essentials you need to survive. This is where a go bag becomes crucial — it's a prepacked bag or container filled with the necessary items so you can grab it and go.

Ensure you select a bag that is easy to carry and fit into your vehicle with ease. Such mobility could come from a wheeled bin or a backpack. Having it always ready to go reduces stress, improves your safety, and may save your life.

Here are the basic items you can put in your wildfire bag:

• Nonperishable food for three days (at least)
• Bottled water (one gallon per person per day)
• Flashlight
• Portable radio
• Batteries
• Phone chargers
• First aid supplies
• Prescription medications
• Copies of health documents, insurance cards, identification, and other important paperwork

Other things to consider include pet food, a change of clothes, a sleeping bag, cash, and a multipurpose tool. 

How Emergency Cash Loans Can Help With MS Seasonal Costs

If the season is already upon you and you're without the budget to acquire everything to keep you safe, we have an option — a loan from us at Mississippi Title Loans Inc. We offer three types of short-term loans designed to give you quick access to a lump sum of money when you need it most. 

You can choose from:

• Title loans — These are short-term loans that allow you to borrow between $300 and $2,500, depending on the value of your vehicle. To acquire them, you must own your vehicle outright and have a lien-free vehicle title to use as collateral.
• Payday loans — A payday cash advance loan is a small-dollar loan that lets you borrow between $100 and $400 from a future paycheck with just an ID, most recent pay stub, and a blank check from an active checking account.
• Signature installment loans — These let you borrow up to $1,250 with nothing but your signature, checking account statement, proof of income, and ID. By signing the agreement for a signature installment loan, you agree to repay the loan in fixed installment payments.

You can get approved today with our simple process. Apply online with our inquiry form. One of our loan specialists will receive your information and call you to discuss the next steps in the process. You can then gather your required items and head to one of our Mississippi loan store locations to get approved in less than 30 minutes. You can receive your money within one business day.

Cover MS Seasonal Costs With Mississippi Title Loans, Inc. Today!

While it's always best to budget for MS seasonal costs like wildfire smoke, life doesn't always give you that opportunity. You don't have to struggle alone; Mississippi Title Loans Inc. is here to ensure you can keep yourself, your family, and your home safe. You can get approved for our loans regardless of your credit score today.

Simply complete the form on our website, and we'll be in touch to guide you through the steps. Visit us in person with your required items, and you can get approved in less than 30 minutes!

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.