Wildfire Preparedness & Safety
Prepare before wildfire conditions become dangerous with practical guidance from official sources on evacuation planning, emergency supplies, wildfire smoke and reducing ember risk around your home.
Always follow instructions from local authorities and official emergency sources.
The preparedness resources below primarily reference U.S. federal guidance. Outside the United States, also follow your national and local fire and emergency-management authorities.
In an emergency
Call your local emergency number for an immediate life-safety emergency. In the United States, call 911.
If authorities tell you to evacuate, leave promptly and follow official routes and instructions—even if a map, satellite image or other data source appears unchanged.
Plan your evacuation
Sign up for local emergency alerts before wildfire conditions become critical.
Know more than one way out of your area and decide in advance where your household will meet. Include plans for:
- Children and older adults
- Pets
- Prescription medications
- Mobility or accessibility needs
- Important documents and identification
Do not wait until an evacuation order is issued to make these decisions.
Keep a go-bag ready
Ready.gov recommends planning evacuation routes in advance and keeping emergency supplies ready to take with you.
A practical wildfire go-bag may include:
- Water and nonperishable food
- Prescription medications
- Identification and insurance information
- Phone chargers or a power bank
- Flashlight
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Cash
- N95 respirators
- Supplies for children, pets or accessibility needs
Do not delay an evacuation to finish packing. A go-bag is meant to keep essential items together so you can leave quickly when necessary.
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke can affect air quality far beyond the immediate fire area.
EPA and CDC/NIOSH guidance emphasizes reducing smoke exposure whenever possible. If you must be outside in smoky conditions, a properly fitting NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator can help reduce exposure to harmful particles. Loose cloth and surgical masks are not designed to provide the same level of particulate protection.
To help reduce smoke indoors:
- Close windows and doors when appropriate.
- Use HVAC recirculation and high-efficiency filtration if your system supports it.
- Consider a properly sized portable air cleaner that does not intentionally produce ozone.
- Check filters during prolonged smoke events, since they may need to be replaced more often.
EPA wildfire smoke guidance →
CDC/NIOSH respirator guidance →
Reduce ember risk around your home
Wind-driven embers can travel ahead of a wildfire and ignite vulnerable areas around a structure.
Before an emergency:
- Keep roofs and gutters clear of combustible debris.
- Remove flammable material from decks and areas immediately around structures.
- Address vulnerable vents and openings using guidance appropriate for your home.
- Follow defensible-space and home-hardening recommendations from your local fire authority.
Home preparation should happen before an emergency. Never stay behind to protect property when authorities have directed you to evacuate.
During and after a wildfire
During an active incident, rely on local emergency management, fire, law enforcement and weather authorities for:
- Evacuation orders
- Road closures
- Shelter locations
- Emergency instructions
After an evacuation, return only when authorities say it is safe. Hazards can remain after visible flames are gone, including hot ash, smoldering debris, damaged utilities, unstable trees and unhealthy air.
WildfireSignal provides additional situational context. Always rely on official authorities for warnings, evacuation orders, road closures and all-clear notices.