How to Prepare for Wildfires

Editor's note: This post was originally published August 19, 2021, and has been updated for accuracy, comprehensiveness and freshness on September 18, 2025.

Picture this: You're relaxing at home when suddenly, emergency alerts flood your phone. Wildfires are spreading rapidly through areas just miles away. Evacuation warnings have been issued, and you have little time to prepare. Your heart races as you realize you're not ready.

This scenario is becoming increasingly common across the United States. Wildfire seasons are becoming longer and more intense, making ​wildfire prep​ essential for anyone living in high-risk regions. The good news? Proactive preparation can protect your life, property, and beloved pets.

​​Whether you're facing immediate wildfire threats or planning ahead for future ​wild​fire seasons, this comprehensive guide will provide step-by-step preparation advice, safety tips, and strategies for evacuation and recovery.

Understanding wildfire risks

Wildfires are among nature's most unpredictable and fast-moving disasters. These fires can spread at astonishing speeds, sometimes covering several acres per minute under the right conditions. What makes them particularly dangerous is their unpredictability—wind patterns can shift in seconds, sending flames in entirely new directions.

Several factors dramatically increase wildfire risk:

• ‍Drought conditions that turn vegetation into natural kindling ‍
• High winds that can carry embers miles ahead of the main fire ‍
• Dense, dry vegetation that provides fuel for rapidly spreading flames ‍
• Extreme heat that dries out moisture from plants and soil​​​
• ​​​​Lightning strikes​​ during dry thunderstorms​​​

Certain regions face higher risks, particularly the western United States, including California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and parts of Texas. Fire season typically runs from late spring through early fall, but climate conditions are intensifying wildfire frequency and extending dangerous periods year-round.

​​​​​Human causes (responsible for about 85% of wildfires):

• Unattended campfires or improperly extinguished fires
• Sparks from equipment, vehicles, or power lines
• Discarded cigarettes or matches
• Intentional arson
• Burning debris during high-risk conditions

Climate conditions are intensifying wildfire frequency, making prevention and preparation more critical than ever.

​​​How to prepare for ​​wildfires​​ at home​​​​     ​​

​​​Your home is your first line of defense against wildfire. Taking proactive​​​ safety​​​ steps now can mean the difference between losing everything and having a home to return to.​​​ Here are some essential ​​wildfire safety tips to help you get ​​prepared​​ for ​​wildfire season​​.​​ ​​​     ​​

Create defensible space around your property:

​​​​Create defensible space around your home by clearing brush, dead vegetation, and other flammable materials at least 30 feet from the house. Set a five-foot buffer next to the structure, known as Zone 0, with nothing that can burn. Prune trees so the lowest branches are at least 6 feet above the ground. Remove any overhanging limbs within 10 feet of the chimney. Keep the lawn well-watered and mow it to under 4 inches. These wildfire preparedness steps reduce ignition risk and help protect your property.​​​​​​

Install protective measures:

​​​​Install protective measures to harden your home against wildfires. Set up exterior sprinkler systems you can use in an emergency. Keep garden hoses long enough to reach every part of your property. Add ember resistant vents to block wind-blown embers. Seal gaps in the roof and exterior walls to keep sparks out and protect your home.​​​

​​​​​​​Create a ​​Wildfire preparedness plan​ with the family​

Every household needs a written wildfire preparedness plan that covers all essential elements:

​​​​​​Build your family plan​​​

• ​​​​Write down your wildfire plan and share it with everyone in the household.
• ​​​​Choose primary and backup meeting points.
• ​​​​Set an out-of-state contact who can relay messages if local lines fail.
• Turn on emergency alerts on every phone.
• ​​​​If you will need help leaving or must use public transportation, set that up in advance.
  

​​​​Map your evacuation routes​​​

• ​​​​Pick three routes: primary, secondary, and a backup for worst case scenarios.
• ​​​​Practice driving each route at different times of day.
• ​​​​Keep your car parked facing the direction you plan to leave.
  

​​​​Prepare your vehicle and go bag​​​

• ​​​​Keep the gas tank at least half full during fire season.
• ​​​​Load the most important items first.
• Pack emergency supplies in the vehicle: water, basic first aid, chargers, copies of key documents.
• Wear protective clothing when evacuating: long sleeves, sturdy shoes, and an N95 mask if you have one.
  

​​​​Plan for pets and livestock​​​

• ​​​​Never leave animals behind.
• Use secure carriers for small pets.
• ​​​​Keep leashes and harnesses ready for larger pets.
• ​​​​Arrange livestock transport in advance.
• Bring water, food, and a comfort item to reduce stress.

​​​​Practice and review​​​

• ​​​​Run evacuation drills with everyone in the household.
• Time how long it takes to execute the plan.
• ​​​​Review and update the plan at least twice a year.
  

​​​​Safe evacuation checklist​​​

• ​​​​Drive with headlights on.
• ​​​​Keep windows closed and set the car’s air to recirculate.
• ​​​​Stay calm and follow traffic laws and official instructions.
• ​​​​If you encounter fire or heavy smoke on the road, pull over to a safe spot and call 911.
• ​​​​Do not stop to take photos or videos.​​​​​​​​​​     ​​​​​​     ​​​​​​     ​​​     ​​

Essential supplies for wildfire safety

Be ready to leave quickly with your go-bag. Having a well-stocked emergency kit ready at a moment's notice can save precious time during evacuations and provide essential supplies if you're sheltering in place.

Basic emergency supplies:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
• Non-perishable food (3-day supply minimum)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First-aid kit with prescription medications
• N95 masks to help shield against heat and smoke exposure
• Emergency blankets
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife

Additional safety items:

• Fire extinguisher
• Emergency cash in small bills
• Waterproof and fireproof containers for important documents
• Emergency contact information
• Local maps with evacuation routes marked

What to pack in a go-bag for evacuation

Your evacuation go-bag should be portable, accessible, and contain everything you need for several days away from home:

Essential documents (in waterproof and fireproof container):

• Driver's licenses and identification cards
• Insurance policies (home, auto, health)
• Bank account information and credit cards
• Social Security cards
• Birth certificates and passports
• Medical records and prescription information
• Property deeds and mortgage documents

Personal items:

• Change of clothes for each person (including sturdy shoes)
• Personal hygiene items
• Phone chargers and portable battery packs
• Cash and credit cards
• House and car keys
• Up-to-date photos of family members (in case you get separated)

Pet supplies:

• ​​​​​​​Pet food and water bowls
• Leashes and collars with ID tags
• Pet medications
• Comfort items like favorite toys or blankets

Pro tip: Keep your go bag in an easily accessible location near your primary exit. Check and update contents every six months.

How to stay safe during a wildfire

When wildfire threatens your area, staying informed and acting quickly can save lives. Keep track of the weather, fires near you, and listen to instructions from local authorities.

Monitor official updates constantly:

​​​​During fire season, stay tuned to official updates so you know when to evacuate and where to go. Start by turning on local emergency alerts by text and email. Follow your fire department, sheriff, and emergency management on social media for real time notices, but treat posts as tips, not final orders. If the power goes out, use a battery powered or hand crank radio for reliable information. For confirmed details, check InciWeb and your state fire information portal. Using these channels together gives you the fastest, most accurate picture of what to do next.​​​

​​​​​​​Safety measures when not evacuating:

​​​​If you cannot evacuate during a wildfire, shelter in place and minimize risk. Stay inside with all windows and doors closed to limit smoke. Set the air conditioning to recirculate. Take down flammable window coverings and close any metal shutters. Fill bathtubs, sinks, and clean containers with water in case service is interrupted. Move combustible furniture away from windows. Turn on outdoor lights so firefighters can see your property through smoke. Keep monitoring official alerts and be ready to leave if conditions change.​​​​​​​​​​     ​​​​​​     ​​​

When to evacuate:

​​​​Leave as soon as a mandatory evacuation order is issued. Don’t wait. In a wildfire, leaving early is safer than trying to outrun smoke and traffic at the last minute. If you feel unsafe, go even without an official order. If you have asthma, heart issues, or other health concerns, plan to evacuate sooner to avoid smoke exposure. When in doubt, choose the earliest safe exit.​​​​​​     ​​​​​     ​​​​     ​​​​     ​​

Recovery and returning home after a wildfire

Returning home after a wildfire can be emotionally overwhelming and physically dangerous. Wait for official clearance before returning to your property—hidden dangers like unstable structures, toxic ash, and live power lines may not be immediately visible.

Assess property damage safely:

• Walk around your property during daylight hours only.
• Watch for structural damage, including cracks in walls and foundations.
• Check for gas leaks by smelling for gas odors.
• Look for electrical hazards like downed power lines or damaged outlets.
• Document everything with photos and videos before moving or cleaning anything.

Document damage for insurance claims:

• Take extensive photos and videos from multiple angles. Brian Caron, LegalShield provider lawyer at Wagner, Falconer & Judd, LTD, has this to share:

“Capturing photographic and video evidence with your phone is a vital first step to documenting your losses. Being able to reliably demonstrate to your insurance company the extent of your losses is crucial to making certain that you recover fair value for your property.”

• Make detailed lists of damaged or destroyed items.
• Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or temporary housing.
• Don't throw anything away until your insurance company gives approval.
• Work with your insurance adjuster to ensure fair compensation.
• Consult with your LegalShield provider law firm if you have any questions about legal proceedings.

Seek disaster relief resources:

• Contact FEMA for federal disaster assistance.
• Apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans.
• Reach out to local relief organizations and charities.
• Check with your state's disaster relief programs.
• Apply as soon as possible—many programs have strict deadlines.
• Seek advice from your LegalShield law firm to learn your legal options.

Clean up hazardous ash and debris safely:

• Wear N95 masks, gloves, and long-sleeved clothing.
• Wet down ash before cleanup to prevent inhalation.
• Use a shovel to remove mud and damp ash, to avoid spreading contaminated water.
• Dispose of ash in regular trash, not yard waste bins.
• Shower immediately after cleanup activities.

Legal considerations may include:

• Reviewing insurance policy coverage and claim disputes
• Understanding contractor agreements for rebuilding
• Addressing property boundary disputes if markers were destroyed
• Dealing with FEMA paperwork and appeals processes
• Navigating local building code changes or permit requirements
• Talking with a LegalShield provider lawyer to learn other best practices

How LegalShield helps during natural disasters and beyond

Natural disasters like wildfires often create complex legal challenges that can add stress to an already difficult situation. From insurance disputes to contractor problems, LegalShield Members have access to experienced provider lawyers who can help navigate these challenging times.

How LegalShield may assist with wildfire-related legal issues:

Insurance disputes: When your insurance company denies claims or offers inadequate settlements, a LegalShield provider lawyer can review your policy, explain your rights, and help you negotiate from a position of power.

Contractor problems: Rebuilding after a wildfire often involves hiring contractors. Your provider lawyer can review contracts before you sign them, helping protect you from fraudulent or unfair agreements.

Property disputes: Fire damage can create boundary disputes or issues with neighbors. Legal guidance can help resolve these matters efficiently.

FEMA and disaster relief issues: Government paperwork can be confusing and overwhelming. A provider lawyer can help you understand complex forms and appeal decisions if necessary.

Tax problems: Disaster-related tax issues, including casualty loss deductions and IRS audits, are areas where LegalShield provider lawyers regularly assist members.

Beyond disaster relief, LegalShield can assist with consumer finance issues including:

• Credit card debt disputes
• Collection agency harassment
• Medical billing problems
• Utility company disputes
• Student loan issues
• Real estate contract problems
• Security deposit disputes

For a small monthly or annual fee, LegalShield Members can consult with experienced provider lawyers about unlimited personal legal matters. Whether it's reviewing confusing documents, writing demand letters, or providing legal advice during stressful financial disputes, LegalShield puts the power of legal representation within reach.

Don't let big organizations push you around during your most vulnerable moments. Large companies sometimes rely on bureaucracy and complex policies to discourage customers from fighting for their rights. With LegalShield, you can approach these situations armed with legal knowledge and professional support.

Ready to protect yourself and your family with legal coverage?

Don't wait until disaster strikes or legal problems arise. Join the millions of members who trust LegalShield for affordable, accessible legal protection. From natural disaster recovery to everyday consumer finance issues, we're here to help when you need it most.

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Written by Elyse Dillard, Content Specialist at LegalShield. Elyse creates educational resources about legal and identity theft protection services. She works to make complex legal concepts more accessible to readers and has contributed to numerous articles on the LegalShield blog.

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