Reduce fuel around your home
– Create and maintain defensible space by clearing dry brush, dead leaves, and overgrown vegetation at least several feet from structures.
– Trim tree limbs so the lowest branches are well above the ground and remove ladder fuels that can carry fire from ground to canopy.
– Store firewood and combustible materials away from the house, garage, and deck.
Harden your home
– Use noncombustible materials for roofs, eaves, and soffits when renovating or replacing features vulnerable to embers.
– Install ember-resistant vents and seal gaps where embers can enter attics and crawl spaces.
– Replace wooden fencing attached to the house with fire-resistant fencing or create a noncombustible break.
– Consider dual-pane or tempered glass windows and metal shutters for extra protection against radiant heat and flying embers.
Assemble an emergency kit
– Prepare a grab-and-go kit with essentials for each household member: medications, important documents, water, nonperishable food, spare keys, flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, and clothing.
– Include items for pets: carriers, leashes, food, and vaccination records.
– Aim for supplies that cover at least several days, and keep the kit in an easy-to-access spot.
Know evacuation plans and routes
– Learn multiple evacuation routes from your neighborhood and practice them with family members.
– Sign up for local emergency alert systems and enable wireless emergency alerts on your phone.
– Keep a list of out-of-area contacts who can serve as a check-in point if local lines are congested.
Protect utilities and power needs
– Consider installing a manual transfer switch and generator or a battery backup to maintain critical systems such as well pumps, refrigeration, or medical devices.
– Learn safe generator operation and never run generators indoors or in enclosed areas due to carbon monoxide risk.
– Be aware of local utility notifications for planned power shutoffs and have plans for heating, cooling, and food safety during an outage.
Insurance and documentation
– Review homeowners or renters insurance to ensure it covers wildfire damage and post-fire hazards like debris removal.
– Store digital copies of important documents, identification, and photos in cloud storage and keep physical copies in a fire-resistant container.
Community actions and policy
– Support local vegetation management programs, neighborhood fuel-reduction projects, and community education efforts.
– Advocate for responsible land use planning, fire-adapted building codes, and increased funding for prescribed burns and defensible space enforcement.
Health and post-fire hazards
– Avoid downed power lines and hot ash fields. After a fire, watch for unstable trees, damaged roads, and potential mudflows in burned watersheds.
– Use N95 or equivalent filters when smoke or ash is present and seek medical help for respiratory distress.
Wildfires can’t be entirely prevented, but proactive measures significantly reduce their impact. By combining household preparedness with community engagement and sensible land management, residents can protect lives and property while supporting more resilient landscapes. Check guidance from local fire departments and emergency managers for area-specific recommendations and resources.