The Homeowner’s Wildfire Preparation Checklist

Wildfires can be a terrifying reality for homeowners; fast-moving, unpredictable, and capable of causing devastating damage in minutes. While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, preparing ahead of time is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, home, and peace of mind.

Experts from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) emphasize that taking responsibility to prepare one’s home and private property in advance gives people “a better chance” of surviving a wildfire.

How To Prepare Your Home for a Wildfire

Here are some wildfire preparation steps you can proactively take as a homeowner:

Create Defensible Space - Establish a buffer zone around your home by: 

• Clearing Vegetation: Remove dead plants, leaves, and branches within 30 feet of your home.
• Spacing Trees and Shrubs: Ensure adequate spacing to prevent fire from jumping between plants.
• Using Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Opt for plants with high moisture content and low resin.
• Maintaining Your Roof and Gutters: Regularly clear debris to prevent ignition sources.

Harden Your Home - Enhance your home's resistance to wildfires by:

• Installing Fire-Resistant Roofing and Siding: Materials like metal, tile, and stucco offer better protection.
• Sealing Gaps: Use fire-resistant caulk to seal gaps in eaves, vents, and windows.
• Installing Spark Arresters: Place them on chimneys to prevent embers from entering.

Develop an Evacuation Plan - Prepare for potential evacuations by:

• Identifying Multiple Exit Routes: Know at least two ways out of your neighborhood.
• Designating a Meeting Place: Choose a location where family members can reunite.
• Practicing Regularly: Conduct evacuation drills to ensure everyone knows the plan.

Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit - Your kit should include:

• Non-Perishable Food and Water: A three-day supply for each person.
• Medications and First Aid Supplies: Include necessary prescriptions and a basic first aid kit.
• Important Documents: Store copies of identification, insurance policies, and medical records.
• Flashlights and Batteries: Ensure you have reliable light sources.
• Clothing and Personal Items: Pack essentials for each family member.

Prepare for Extended Power Outages - Get ready for wildfire-related power outages by:

• Having a source of backup power: Portable generators or inverters can provide whole-home power during outages.
• Stocking Up on Supplies: Keep extra fuel, oil, and filters on hand for extended power outages. Make sure to store them in accordance with local regulations.
• Getting a transfer switch professionally installed: Avoid back feeding, which can electrocute utility personnel. A transfer switch provides a properly rated connection allowing the generator to power the home’s electrical panel and shut off the connection the grid.
• Ensuring safe setup for your backup power: Use an NFPA rated non-combustible generator running cover and heavy-duty cords to prevent the generator’s electrical elements from exposure to the elements.
• Installing CO Sensors in the House: Stay safe from generator-related carbon monoxide (CO) exposure, which can be lethal in minutes. Keep your generator at least 20 ft. away from the home and have CO detectors installed on each level of the home.
• Checking your area’s power outage map: Monitor affected areas and estimated restoration times.

Preparing for Wildfire Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

While flames are the most visible threat during wildfire season, power outages can impact families far beyond the fire's path. Utilities often implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to reduce the risk of electrical infrastructure sparking new fires, which means entire neighborhoods can lose power even when they're miles away from the danger zone. These outages can last for days or even weeks, disrupting everything from refrigerated food storage and medical devices to communication and home security systems. That’s why having a backup power source, like a portable generator; is a vital part of wildfire preparedness, even if your home isn't in the direct line of fire.

Generators offer peace of mind by keeping the essentials running, but they must be used properly to ensure safety. Running a generator 20 feet from any openings into your home is mandatory to prevent carbon monoxide buildup indoors. However, safe outdoor operation comes with its own challenges during wildfire season, including exposure to smoke, ash, wind-blown embers, and unpredictable weather. Without protection, these elements can damage your generator, threaten fuel sources, or create other hazardous conditions.

How GenTent Protects Generators During Wildfires

GenTent products can provide critical protection for portable generators. Our NFPA-rated, flame retardant running covers are made from non-combustible materials, meeting FEMA’s recommendations for wildfire safety. GenTent allows for safe, ventilated operation outdoors while shielding your generator inclement weather while running, as well as ash, embers, and debris. By reducing the risk of electrical malfunctions, CO exposure, and accidental fire, GenTent helps ensure your generator can deliver dependable power when you need it most; safely and reliably throughout the wildfire season.

For other portable generator safety tips and best practices, check out GenTent’s Portable Generator Safety and Preparedness Tips.

Wildfires are a growing concern across the U.S., affecting more regions each year. There is so much uncertainty associated with wildfires and inclement weather; but by understanding the risks, preparing your home, and having an emergency plan and supplies in place, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.