Wildfire safety tips and resources for individuals

Wildfires can spread quickly, threatening lives and businesses and can cause extreme heat and dangerous conditions. We are here to help you should you need to file a claim.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the fire and keep your family and property safe. Please follow local emergency personnel evacuation plans and routes to take.
 

Prepare today

1. Create a family communications plan – Develop a family contact sheet with names, addresses and phone numbers of important contacts including doctors, schools and out-of-state family members. Keep an online backup available.
2. Make a home inventory – Insurance claims are typically processed faster when an inventory is available.
3. Purchase a weather radio – Obtain a radio with local discrimination capability.
4. Stay alert - Sign up for and pay attention to weather alerts.
    

If you are evacuating your home when a fire is approaching

1. Shut off gas at the meter or propane at the tank.
2. Create a defensible space around your home by moving brush, mulch and other flammable objects and materials away from your home.
3. Move outdoor materials and furniture indoors.
4. Turn off HVAC to keep out smoke and cover vents.
5. Install fire-resistant shutters or plywood to help protect from radiant heat and embers.
6. Turn on interior and exterior lights to help with visibility in case of smoke.
7. Remove window treatments and move furniture away from doors and windows.
8. Close doors securely.
9. Wet property with hoses.
10. Fill trash cans and buckets with water and place so they are easy to find.
     

When you can safely return

1. Extinguish any sparks or embers outside your home. Do not climb onto roof to extinguish embers. Otherwise, contact fire officials for help.
2. Keep doors and windows closed.
3. Document any property damage with photos and videos.

Be sure to notify our claims team immediately if there is damage and protect the property while mitigating any future risk.

Weather resource center