Wildfire Preparedness Guide: Safety Before, During, and After

Understanding Wildfire Risk in the United States

Wildfires are often associated with states in the western part of the United States, but wildfire risk now affects communities across the country. Large wildfire incidents occur in nearly every region of the U.S. each year, including the Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and parts of the Northeast, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Today, wildfire risk is not limited to mountainous terrain or remote forests. Suburban neighborhoods, rural communities, and even coastal areas can face wildfire threats under the right conditions.

Wildfire Risk Is Expanding Beyond the West

While states like California, Oregon, and Colorado regularly experience large fire seasons, other regions are also seeing increasing wildfire activity:

• Southeast: States such as Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas frequently experience wildfires during dry spring months.
• Southwest & Plains: Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas are vulnerable to grassfires driven by wind and drought.
• Midwest: States like Minnesota and Wisconsin experience forest fires during dry periods.
• Northeast: Maine and parts of New York and New England face wildfire risks during prolonged dry conditions.

Drought, higher temperatures, invasive vegetation, and shifting weather patterns contribute to elevated wildfire potential in multiple regions.

The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings nationwide when conditions such as low humidity, strong winds, and dry fuels create a high risk of fire ignition and spread.

Wildfire preparedness is now relevant in all 50 states, especially for communities located near wooded areas, grasslands, or undeveloped land.

Preparing Before a Wildfire

Wildfire preparation should begin well before fire season. Taking proactive steps can reduce the risk of injury, improve evacuation safety, and help protect property.

Because wildfires can spread quickly and change direction without warning, early planning is essential for households in both high-risk and moderate-risk areas.

Emergency responders often have limited time to notify residents, which means families must be ready to evacuate immediately when conditions worsen.

Create a Wildfire Evacuation Plan

Every household should have a written wildfire evacuation plan. Planning ahead helps ensure that all family members understand what to do and where to go during an emergency.

A complete evacuation plan should include:

• At least two evacuation routes: Fires can block roads without warning, so identifying multiple exit options improves the chances of evacuating safely.
• A designated out-of-area emergency contact: Choose someone outside your immediate area who can serve as a central point of communication if family members become separated.
• A family meeting location: Establish a safe meeting place away from the wildfire zone where everyone can reunite.
• Plans for pets and livestock: Identify pet-friendly evacuation shelters, boarding facilities, or locations where animals can be safely transported.
• Practice evacuation drills: Practicing evacuation procedures helps family members react quickly and calmly during real emergencies.
• Transportation arrangements: Ensure vehicles are maintained, fueled, and ready for evacuation. Households without reliable transportation should coordinate with neighbors, family members, or local emergency services.

Do not rely on a single evacuation route. Roads can close quickly due to fire, smoke, fallen debris, or emergency response activity. Having multiple evacuation options can significantly improve safety.

Build a Wildfire Emergency Go Bag

An emergency kit, often called a “go bag,” allows families to evacuate quickly without scrambling to gather essential items.

Important items to include:

• Cash and credit cards
• Cell phone chargers
• Clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and long pants, to protect against heat
• Closed-toe shoes or boots suitable for walking outdoors
• Emergency contact information
• Flashlights and batteries
• First aid supplies
• Identification, insurance policies, and medical records
• N95 masks or respirators to help reduce smoke inhalation
• Prescription medications and medical supplies (7-14 day supply)
• Water (at least 1 gallon per person) and nonperishable food for at least 3 days

Keeping emergency supplies accessible can save valuable time when evacuation orders are issued.

Home Hardening Strategies

Home hardening involves structural upgrades that help prevent embers from igniting your home. Because embers can travel miles ahead of a wildfire, even homes outside the main fire zone may be at risk.

Key home hardening strategies include:

• Install fire-resistant roofing materials: Class A fire-rated roofing, such as metal, tile, or asphalt shingles, provides better protection against ember ignition.
• Enclose eaves and decks: Covering exposed areas helps prevent embers from collecting and igniting hidden structural components.
• Keep gutters and roofs clear of debris: Removing leaves and dry material reduces the risk of ignition from airborne embers.
• Upgrade to ember-resistant vents: Special vent covers and metal mesh help block embers from entering attics and crawl spaces.
• Use dual-pane or tempered-glass windows: These windows are more heat-resistant and less likely to break during wildfire exposure.

Even small embers can ignite homes far from the main fire front, making home hardening one of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire damage risk.

Wildfire Smoke Safety

Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles, affecting air quality far from the fire itself. Even when flames are not visible, smoke exposure can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Health Risks of Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter, which can enter the lungs and bloodstream.

Exposure to wildfire smoke may cause:

• Coughing and throat irritation
• Eye irritation and headaches
• Increased cardiovascular stress
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Worsening asthma or other respiratory conditions

Sensitive groups include children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung conditions. However, even healthy individuals may experience symptoms during periods of heavy smoke.

Reducing Smoke Exposure Indoors

Indoor air can still become contaminated during wildfire events. Taking steps to improve indoor air quality can reduce health risks.

Tips for reducing exposure indoors include:

• Avoid activities that worsen indoor air, such as burning candles or vacuuming
• Create a designated clean air room with minimal outside air exposure
• Keep windows and doors closed
• Upgrade HVAC filters to high-efficiency ratings (such as MERV-13, if compatible)
• Use HEPA air purifiers to filter fine particles
• These steps help reduce indoor smoke buildup and improve indoor air quality, keeping you and your family safe.

Outdoor Safety During Smoke Events

Limiting outdoor exposure is one of the most effective ways to reduce health risks during a wildfire.

Steps to take include:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity when smoke levels are elevated
• Monitor local Air Quality Index (AQI) reports
• Stay indoors when the air quality is poor
• Use properly fitted N95 respirators if outdoor exposure is unavoidable

Taking precautions during smoke events can help protect your lungs, heart, and overall health.

After a Wildfire

Returning home after a wildfire can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. Even if your property appears undamaged, hidden hazards may still be present.

Only return after local emergency officials declare the area safe to reenter, and use caution when inspecting your home and surroundings.

Returning Safely

Reentry into evacuated areas should occur only after official clearance from fire authorities or emergency management. Conditions can remain dangerous due to structural damage, utility hazards, and weakened vegetation.

When returning home:

• Avoid entering buildings with visible fire, heat, or smoke damage until they are professionally inspected
• Be cautious of ash, debris, and hot spots that may still pose fire risks
• Check for loose or fallen power lines — never touch downed wires and report them to your utility provider
• Inspect the exterior of your property before entering
• Look for structural damage, such as warped siding, damaged roofing, or foundation cracks
• Smell for gas leaks; if you notice a sulfur or “rotten egg” odor, leave immediately and contact emergency services
• Watch for unstable trees, falling branches, or damaged fencing

If utilities were shut off before evacuation, contact your utility providers for guidance before restoring power, gas, or water. Damaged systems can create serious safety hazards if reactivated improperly.

Ash and Debris Cleanup

Wildfire ash can contain toxic substances from burned materials, including plastics, treated wood, and household chemicals. Cleanup should be handled carefully to reduce exposure and protect your health.

When cleaning ash or debris:

• Avoid dry sweeping, which can stir harmful particles into the air
• Dispose of ash and debris according to local municipal guidance
• Keep children and pets away from ash and contaminated areas
• Lightly mist ash with water before cleanup to reduce dust
• Use an N95 or higher-rated mask to prevent inhaling fine particles
• Wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants to protect exposed skin
• When ash or dust is airborne, wear eye protection

If your home sustained significant structural damage or contamination, professional cleanup services may be necessary to safely remove hazardous debris and restore the property.

Insurance and Documentation

Thorough documentation is critical when filing a wildfire insurance claim. Proper records can help speed up claim processing and reduce the risk of disputes or delays.

To protect your claim and recovery:

• Photograph and video all visible damage before cleaning or making repairs
• Capture both wide shots and close-up images of structural damage, smoke damage, landscaping loss, and personal property damage
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the loss
• Ask about temporary housing coverage, including hotel stays or rental reimbursement
• Request a full explanation of your policy benefits, coverage limits, and deductible
• Keep copies of all communications with your insurance company, including emails and letters
• Maintain organized records of wildfire-related expenses, including hotel stays, meals, temporary housing, cleanup supplies, and repair invoices

Accurate and organized documentation helps support your claim and improves the likelihood of receiving full and timely compensation.