Wildfire Safety Tips: How to Prepare, Protect, and Stay Safe

Introduction

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense — especially in hot, dry climates like California, Oregon, and other fire-prone states. When smoke fills the air and flames threaten nearby neighborhoods, every minute matters. The best way to protect your family, pets, and home is to prepare before wildfire season begins.

Here are the most important wildfire safety tips to help you feel ready, not rushed, when danger strikes.

1. Create Defensible Space Around Your Home

Clearing flammable material around your property reduces the chance of fire spreading to your house.

What to do:

• Maintain at least 100 feet of defensible space around your home (per Cal Fire).

• Trim trees so branches are at least 10 feet from other trees.

• Remove dead plants, dry leaves, and pine needles from roofs and gutters.

• Store firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet from your house.

🔗 Helpful gear: Greenworks Cordless Leaf Blower, Fiskars Tree Pruner.

2. Harden Your Home Against Embers

Most homes are lost to wind-driven embers, not direct flames.

What to do:

• Install ember-resistant vents and dual-pane windows.

• Use Class A fire-rated roofing materials.

• Cover eaves, decks, and patios with fire-resistant sheathing.

• Seal gaps around garage doors and attic vents.

🔗 Helpful gear: Frost King Garage Door Seal, Ember-Resistant Vent Cover.

3. Build an Emergency “Go Bag”

If you need to evacuate quickly, having a bag ready saves critical time.

Include:

• N95 masks for smoke.

• 3 days of food and water (1 gallon per person per day).

• Flashlight, batteries, and portable charger.

• First aid kit.

• Copies of important documents in a waterproof pouch.

• Pet food, leashes, and carriers for animals.

🔗 Helpful gear: Ready America 2-Person Emergency Kit, Petsfit Collapsible Carrier.

4. Make a Family Evacuation Plan

In a wildfire, roads get congested and panic sets in. A clear plan makes all the difference.

What to do:

• Know at least two exit routes from your neighborhood.

• Choose a meeting place outside the evacuation zone.

• Practice your plan with kids and pets.

• Keep gas tanks at least half full during fire season.

5. Stay Informed During a Wildfire

Emergency conditions change rapidly. Stay alert to official warnings.

What to do:

• Sign up for local emergency alerts (Nixle, Cal Fire Ready for Wildfire).

• Use a battery-powered emergency radio for updates if cell towers fail.

• Follow evacuation orders immediately — don’t wait until it’s too late.

🔗 Helpful gear: FosPower Emergency Weather Radio.

Final Thoughts

Wildfires are unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. By creating defensible space, hardening your home, and having a plan in place, you can protect what matters most — your family, pets, and home.

👉 Start small: clear dry brush this weekend, stock a go-bag, and pick up an emergency radio. Preparedness today means peace of mind tomorrow.