Prepare for both fire and smoke
A home can be threatened directly by flames and embers or affected by smoke from miles away. Exterior preparation, evacuation planning, and indoor-air preparation should be completed together.
Start with the structure
Inspect the roof, gutters, vents, eaves, siding, windows, doors, decks, fences, and areas where different building materials meet. Remove leaves, needles, and combustible debris. Repair gaps and damaged screens. Consult current building codes and qualified professionals before modifying vents, roofs, or siding.
Manage defensible space
CAL FIRE and local agencies define defensible-space zones and maintenance requirements. Remove dead vegetation, separate fuels, prune appropriately, and keep access routes clear. The area immediately next to the home deserves special attention because small embers can ignite mulch, furniture, stored materials, or debris.
Reduce combustible storage
Move firewood, spare lumber, cardboard, flammable liquids, and other combustibles away from structures and evacuation paths. During high-risk weather, move patio cushions and light furniture indoors or to a safer location if authorities recommend it and time permits.
Prepare alarms and utilities
Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and replace batteries according to instructions. Know how to shut off utilities only if local authorities or utility providers instruct you and you can do it safely. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near doors, windows, or vents.
Prepare indoor air
Service HVAC equipment, verify filter size and MERV compatibility, obtain replacement filters, and learn recirculation settings. Size portable HEPA cleaners for the rooms where they will be used. Select and stock a clean-air room.
Document the property
Photograph or video each room, exterior side, roof, landscaping, vehicles, tools, and high-value items. Save serial numbers, receipts, policy documents, and contact information in secure cloud storage and a waterproof go-bag copy.
Prepare evacuation logistics
Register for alerts, maintain fuel or vehicle charge, identify two routes, and arrange transportation for people who need help. Keep go bags, medicines, pet supplies, keys, and documents accessible.
Seasonal maintenance schedule
- Before fire season: major vegetation and building maintenance, equipment service, insurance review.
- Monthly during season: check gutters, debris, filters, alarms, supplies, and alerts.
- Before red-flag weather: charge devices, fuel vehicles, move combustibles, confirm routes, and monitor official updates.
Local rules
California and local requirements change. Use CAL FIRE, your city or county, and your fire department as the source of truth for defensible space and home-hardening requirements.