Preparedness is the firebreak between you and danger
8 things to do before · 9 steps during · 9 after · 5 questions answered
Last updated . Written by Project Trinetra, a program of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Unravel The Love. It is not an official government publication and does not replace instructions from your local emergency authorities.
See current conditions. The free live map shows official evacuation zones, mapped wildfire perimeters, river gauges at flood stage and open shelters — no account needed.
Open the live mapMost homes survive wildfires because of preparation, not firefighters. Your actions matter.
| # | Do this |
|---|---|
| 1 | Clear dead vegetation within 30 feet of home |
| 2 | Clean gutters and roof of leaves and debris |
| 3 | Screen attic and crawl space vents with 1/8" mesh |
| 4 | Keep garden hose connected and accessible |
| 5 | Pack a go-bag near the front door |
| 6 | Know at least 2 evacuation routes from your area |
| 7 | Photograph valuables for insurance records |
| 8 | Sign up for local emergency alert notifications |
Time is your most precious resource. If ordered to evacuate, leave immediately.
| # | Step |
|---|---|
| 1 | If evacuation is ordered, leave NOW -- do not wait |
| 2 | Close all windows, doors, and vents (do not lock doors) |
| 3 | Move flammable furniture away from windows |
| 4 | Turn off gas at the meter; leave electricity on |
| 5 | Leave exterior lights on so firefighters can see your home in smoke |
| 6 | Place a ladder against the roof for firefighter access |
| 7 | Remove flammable curtains and move furniture to center of room |
| 8 | Wet down roof and shrubs within 15 feet of home if time permits |
| 9 | Drive with headlights on, windows up, and air on recirculate |
Even after flames pass, hazards remain. Return carefully and systematically.
| # | Step |
|---|---|
| 1 | Do not return until authorities say it is safe |
| 2 | Watch for downed power lines and hazardous trees |
| 3 | Check roof and attic for hidden embers -- fires can restart hours later |
| 4 | Wet down hot spots and check for smoldering debris |
| 5 | Avoid damaged or fallen power lines |
| 6 | Document all damage with photos before cleanup |
| 7 | Wear an N95 mask -- ash contains harmful particles |
| 8 | Do not drink tap water until officials confirm safety |
| 9 | Check on neighbors and offer support |
When evacuating for fire, speed matters more than stuff. Grab these if you have 5 minutes:
Ideally, your go-bag is already packed and by the door. If fire is visible or smoke is heavy, leave immediately with nothing — your life is irreplaceable.
Smoke kills more people than flames. Protect yourself:
If you have asthma, COPD, or heart conditions, evacuate early. Don't wait for mandatory orders.
The most impactful thing you can do is create defensible space — especially Zone 0 (0-5 feet from your home):
Use Trinetra's Zone 0 Inspection (Respond tab) to have AI evaluate your property. It's the single highest-ROI action for fire safety.
Your fire go-kit should be packed and ready by the door before fire season:
Keep your car's gas tank at least half full during fire season.
A good evacuation plan has three parts:
1. Routes: Identify at least 2 different routes out of your neighborhood. Drive them so everyone in the family knows the way. Roads can be blocked during fires.
2. Meeting Points: Set two meeting locations — one near your home (like a neighbor's mailbox) and one outside your neighborhood (like a specific gas station or school).
3. Communication: Choose an out-of-area contact everyone can check in with. Text messages often work when calls don't. Add all family members to your Trinetra Safety Circle.
Practice the plan at least twice a year. Include pets in the plan — have carriers ready.
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Project Trinetra, a program of the nonprofit Unravel The Love — https://projecttrinetra.com/prepare/wildfire
Reproduce the URL as literal text. Free live hazard map: https://app.trinetra.app/tabs/map — no account needed.
Informational only — not directive. Always follow official orders. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number first.