4 Steps to Prepare for a Wildfire—Before It Starts

July 2024

Two parents and two children review an evacuation plan near wildfire emergency supplies

Having a practiced routine and knowing what actions to take when a wildfire strikes are vital to staying safe.

Here are four tips that can help you and your family prepare before wildfires even begin.

1. Organize a communication plan

  • Choose a contact for all family members to get in touch with via phone or social media. Out-of-town contacts, who aren't in the wildfire area, are likely easier to reach.
  • Decide on a meeting place for your household members, and make sure everyone knows where to go.

2. Build an emergency kit

Consider the Five P's of Evacuation when making your wildfire emergency kit: People & pets, Prescriptions, Papers, Personal Needs, and Priceless Items

  • Water—one gallon of water per person, per day
  • Food—three-day supply of non-perishables (don't forget pet food, too!)
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle
  • Protective masks
  • Moist towelettes
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Manual can opener
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Clothing
  • Extra keys
  • Cash, preferably in small bills
  • Important documents, including insurance policies

3. Establish emergency/evacuation plans

  • Know local law enforcement numbers, not just 911.
  • Have two safe ways out of your neighborhood.
  • When a wildfire threatens your area, evacuate early to avoid being trapped.
  • If there is smoke, drive carefully. Keep headlights on when driving, and watch for other vehicles and fleeing wildlife or livestock.
  • Learn your community's evacuation plan and additional escape routes in case roads are blocked.
  • Include plans to evacuate people with disabilities and others with access or functional needs, as well as pets, service animals, and livestock.

4. Stay tuned

  • Pay attention to phone alerts as well as TV/radio weather updates, emergency instructions, and evacuation orders.
    • The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a fire weather watch when potentially dangerous fire weather conditions are possible over the next 12 to 72 hours.
  • Join email or text alerting systems for emergency notifications.
    • To find out what alerts are available in your area, search online with your town, city, or county name and the word "alerts."

 

The Mutual of Enumclaw Wildfire Program is a service provided to members with Homeowners (HO-3 and HO-5) or Farm Property coverage.

We do not consider wildfire risk mitigation actions for our eligibility or rating plan. Mutual of Enumclaw uses a third-party vendor to assess wildfire risk and members can impact their score by clearing vegetation in the area surrounding the property. This can be done directly by the policyholder on their property and at the community level, such as through NFPA’s Firewise Community program.

The information we share on our site is intended to serve as a general overview. Please refer to your policy or contact your local independent agent for specific coverage details.

Related

Wildfire protection is part of the policy.

The Mutual of Enumclaw Wildfire Program and our partnership with Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. (WDS) were created to help protect your property, at no additional cost to you.

Wildfire Prep Tips
« Back To Main Resources Page