Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S. and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. Last year, a total of 4,312 structures were destroyed by wildfires, including more than 3,000 homes and more than 70 commercial buildings.

Wildfire Personal Responsibility: Preparing in Advance

• Complete a home inventory – this will assist in talking with your insurance provider should you suffer a loss due to a wildfire. Consider making a video walk through of your possessions and keep that in a safe off-site location.
• Sign up for local Emergency Notifications/Alerts
• Have an Evacuation Plan and a designated meeting place where family members will reconnect after the evacuation. Ensure everyone in the household knows the plan and meeting place location.
• Know where evacuation centers will be located in your community
• Have an off-site phone number, (relative, etc.) where family members can check in and provide status information
• Have a plan and supplies for your pets
  

Downloadable Resources

• Wildfires: Protect Yourself and Your Community
• Protect Your Home and Community From Wildfire
  

Wildfire Safety Tips

• CLEAR leaves and other vegetative debris from roofs, gutters, porches and decks. This helps prevent embers from igniting your home.
• REMOVE dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.
• SCREEN in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
• REMOVE flammable materials (wood piles, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can
• catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
• KEEP your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
• Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. DISPOSE of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.