A wildfire may affect your area: Wildfire safety

How should you prepare for a wildfire?

Identify adequate sources of water within 1,000 feet of your home, such as a well, hydrant or swimming pool.

As with all emergency situations, you should develop a disaster preparedness plan that includes a disaster survival kit and an emergency evacuation plan.

How can I stay informed about wildfires?

Wildfires feed on vegetation; hot, dry conditions increase the risk and speed of a wildfire. To learn more about the wildfire risks in your area, visit the sites below:

• The National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) publishes wildfire outlooks on a daily to seasonal basis, depending on the region.
• The National Weather Service produces regional maps with a color-coded wildfire outlook system.
• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service posts a map of current large wildfire incidents.
• The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) provides wildfire research information as well as regional home retrofit guides.

When a wildfire threat exists, use a battery-powered radio to stay aware of current information. Wildfires can move very quickly. If authorities issue a wildfire evacuation order, leave the area immediately.

Home wildfire preparedness

The best way to protect your home from possible wildfire damage is to remove or reduce the potential fuel within a 30-feet safety zone around your home. (If you live in a high-risk area, increase the safety zone to 100 feet).

• Clear tree debris, such as fallen limbs, leaves, pine needles and cones.
• Move stacked wood outside the safety zone.
• Pay special attention to clearing debris beneath decks and other overhangs.

Prepare a wildfire go bag

The following essentials should be included in your wildfire evacuation bag:

• Drinkable water
• Non-perishable foods
• First-aid kit
• Face masks or coverings
• Prescriptions medications
• Glasses or contact lenses
• Flashlights and radios (extra batteries)
• Whistle or other sound signaling device
• Multi-tool with a knife
• Medical cards and records
• Copies of important documents
• Waterproof bags or containers
• Pet food and water

Before a wildfire evacuation

Practice evacuation drills so you and your family can be prepared and know what to expect.

• Designate two alternative meeting points in the event the family is separated.
• If threatened by a wildfire, make sure the gas tank is full and you have cash on hand.
• Make sure you have your purse or wallet with keys, identification cards and credit cards.
• Pack all necessities to avoid delays from unnecessary stops.
• Bring food and water, veterinarian records and proof of vaccinations for your pets.

Evacuate or stay

It is extremely important to follow the evacuation recommendations provided by local authorities or fire officials.

Shelter in place order

• Stay indoors
• Keep all windows and doors shut
• Shelter in rooms at the opposite end where the fire is approaching
• Keep away from perimeter walls

Warning or voluntary evacuation

• Review the evacuation plan
• Prepare the evacuation bag
• Get ready to leave
• Wildfires can move quickly and be unpredictable so consider evacuating during the warning phase

Mandatory or immediate evacuation order

• Evacuate immediately if required by law
• Use identified evacuation routes

If you've been affected by the recent wildfire in your area and need to report your claim, text the word “CLAIM” to 62789 to receive a link or you can report easily through statefarm.com®, our State Farm mobile app, contacting your State Farm agent or calling 800-SFClaim 800-732-5246800-732-5246.

If you determine your home sustained damage, to protect your property from further damage or loss, be sure to make reasonable and necessary temporary repairs. Keep an accurate record of repair expenses along with any photos of damage. If you have a covered loss, these repairs may be reimbursed by State Farm.