Wildfires are a persistent threat across wide swaths of California’s landscape. With hotter, drier conditions and strong winds fueling fast-moving fires, homeowners who invest in sensible preparation dramatically increase their chances of staying safe and limiting property damage.
Use this checklist to harden your home, reduce ember risk, and build a family plan that actually works.
Create defensible space
– Maintain a cleared perimeter around your home. Remove dead plants, dry leaves, and fallen branches within at least 5–30 feet depending on your property slope and local guidance.
– Keep grass short and irrigated where possible. Separate trees and shrubs so flames can’t easily jump from plant to plant.
– Store firewood and combustible materials well away from structures, ideally on the downhill side of the home.
Harden your home against embers
– Replace or protect vents with ember-resistant covers. Embers entering through attic vents are a common ignition source.
– Choose fire-resistant roofing and siding materials when possible. Metal, tile, or Class A-rated asphalt shingles provide better protection than untreated wood.
– Install dual-pane or tempered glass windows where feasible; consider metal screens for additional protection.
– Close eaves and soffits or install noncombustible covers to reduce ember intrusion.
Manage landscaping with wildfire in mind
– Select low-flammability plants and maintain them with regular pruning and irrigation.
– Create fuel breaks using gravel, stone pathways, and hardscape features.
– Avoid planting large shrubs or trees directly under or next to structures; keep tree canopies separated.
Clear gutters and maintain exterior features
– Clean gutters, roof valleys, and decks of leaves and debris frequently.
– Remove vegetation that grows up against decks or around foundation vents.
– Use noncombustible decking materials where possible; regularly inspect and clean under raised decks.
Prepare an evacuation and communication plan
– Map multiple evacuation routes and practice them with family and pets. Roads can become congested or blocked during an emergency.
– Assemble a go-bag with essentials: medications, important documents, water, N95 masks, flashlight, batteries, and a portable phone charger.
– Keep a simple checklist for pets and livestock, including carrier IDs, leashes, and evacuation locations.
Improve indoor air quality during smoke events
– Install high-efficiency filters in HVAC systems and change them more frequently during smoke episodes.
– Use portable HEPA air purifiers in main living areas and bedrooms.
– Seal doors and windows to reduce smoke infiltration when staying indoors is necessary.
Stay informed and review insurance
– Sign up for local alert services and emergency notifications. Monitor reputable sources for evacuation orders and air quality advisories.
– Review homeowners and renter insurance for adequate coverage, including options for temporary housing and debris removal. Document possessions with photos and keep copies of policies in your go-bag or cloud storage.
Work with neighbors and the community
– Coordinate defensible space efforts on a block-by-block basis. Collective action multiplies protection.
– Participate in community preparedness programs and learn how local fire agencies recommend mitigating risks.
Preparing now reduces stress and increases safety when wildfire threatens.
Start with a walk-around of your property and complete one or two tasks this week—small steps lead to bigger resilience over time.