Before a Wildfire
- Sign up for text or email emergency notifications for your town, city, or county.
- Create a home inventory. Having a complete record of property expedites the claims process and helps ensure that you are reimbursed for your belongings. This can easily be done with a smartphone or video camera.
- Review your home insurance policy annually to make sure your coverage needs haven’t changed.
- Keep your insurance policy and other critical papers in a waterproof and portable container, so you can quickly grab them on the go.
- Keep emergency supplies and a change of clothes in your car.
- Plan an evacuation route and destination beforehand.
- If you see smoke and have not heard a warning announced, contact authorities.
Fire Weather Watch
A fire weather watch indicates that wildfire conditions are possible over the next 12 to 72 hours. If the National Weather Service issues a fire weather watch, here are some steps to take:
- Listen to your radio/TV to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- Evacuate immediately if ordered to do so.
- If time allows, move wood piles, leaves and anything that will burn easily at least 30 feet away from your home.
- If time allows, clear your home’s roof and gutters of debris.
After a Wildfire
- Return to your home only when authorities say it’s safe to do so. Wear a dust mask.
- Check your home for hidden embers. Evacuate immediately if you smell smoke.
- Take photographs of the damage.
- Discard any food or water contaminated or exposed to heat, smoke, or soot.
- Contact your homeowners insurance company as soon as you are able to do so.