Wildfire Preparedness: How to Protect Your Home and Stay Safe

Wildfires are fast-moving, destructive, and can spread rapidly, threatening homes, communities, and lives. Proper wildfire preparedness is essential to minimize risks and improve safety before, during, and after a wildfire. Whether you live in a fire-prone area or are traveling to a region at risk, understanding how to prepare can make all the difference.

What is Wildfire Preparedness?

Wildfire preparedness involves taking proactive steps to protect your home, family, and community from the dangers of wildfires. This includes creating defensible space around your property, assembling an emergency kit, developing an evacuation plan, and staying informed about wildfire risks and alerts.

Stay Informed

Monitor local fire alerts, air quality reports, and updates from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) or local emergency services.  Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which requires no-sign up.

Lets build a Kit!

We have curated a shopping list of items recommended from Ready.Gov that should serve as a starting point for your kit.  A wildfire survival kit should contain essential supplies to help you evacuate quickly and sustain you for at least three days:

1. Non-perishable food and water

2. N95 masks to protect against smoke inhalation

3. Battery-powered radio

4. Flashlights and extra batteries

5. First aid kit

6. Medications and medical supplies

7. Important documents (stored in a fireproof container)

8. Cash and credit cards

9. Change of clothes and sturdy shoes

Important Documents

• Make sure you have up to date copies of your insurance policy, Identification Documents, etc.
• Make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.
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Get to know what Evacuation Zone you are in.

If you live in a wildfire evacuation zone, plan your escape route ahead of time. Identify multiple exit routes, locate designated shelters, and prepare a go-bag. If evacuation orders are issued, leave immediately to avoid getting trapped.

Protect Your Pets and Livestock

Pet owners should have an emergency pet kit with food, water, leashes, and carriers. If you have large animals or livestock, plan an evacuation strategy, ensuring you have a trailer or access to a safe shelter.

Defend Your Home Against Wildfires

Creating defensible space around your home reduces the risk of fire damage. Follow these fire prevention tips:

1. Clear dry vegetation, leaves, and debris within 30-100 feet of your home.
2. Trim trees and shrubs, keeping branches at least 10 feet from structures.
3. Use fire-resistant building materials for roofs, siding, and decks.
4. Install spark arresters on chimneys.
5. Keep flammable items like propane tanks away from your home.

What to Do After a Wildfire

1. Wait for authorities to declare the area safe before returning home.
2. Avoid downed power lines, ash pits, and unstable structures.
3. Use a mask when cleaning up to avoid inhaling toxic particles.
4. Document property damage for insurance claims.
5. Stay aware of air quality concerns, as smoke and ash may linger.

By following these wildfire preparedness tips, you can protect yourself, your family, and your property. For more information, visit the rest of our articles, explore our site to ensure you are prepared for wildfire season.