Wait for official clearance
Do not enter an evacuated area until authorities reopen it. A neighborhood may be accessible while an individual structure remains unsafe. Bring identification, follow checkpoints, and be prepared to leave again.
Survey from outside
Look and smell before entering. Watch for active smoke, hot ground, damaged trees, unstable walls, holes, sharp metal, downed lines, damaged propane tanks, gas odor, and standing water near electrical equipment. Leave immediately and call authorities when hazards are present.
Utilities
Do not restore gas, electricity, or water yourself unless the utility explicitly directs you and you are qualified. If you smell gas, hear hissing, or suspect a leak, avoid switches, flames, and engines; move away and call 911 or the utility.
Ash and debris
Ash can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs. Structure ash may contain chemicals, metals, asbestos, or other hazards. Keep children, pets, pregnant people, and people with heart or lung conditions away from cleanup areas.
Follow local protective-equipment and disposal instructions. Wear long sleeves, long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, eye protection, and the respirator specified for the task. An N95 filters particles but does not protect against all chemicals or gases.
Clean without making dust
Avoid dry sweeping, leaf blowers, and ordinary vacuums. Lightly mist ash when local officials allow it, use damp wiping or mopping, and use HEPA equipment when appropriate. Do not wash large amounts of ash into storm drains.
Water safety
Use bottled or otherwise approved water until the local provider confirms safety. Wildfire damage can contaminate water systems. Boiling kills germs but does not remove many chemicals, fuels, or metals.
Food and medication
Discard food exposed to fire heat, smoke, ash, floodwater, damaged packaging, or unsafe refrigerator temperatures. When in doubt, throw it out. Ask a pharmacist about medication exposed to heat, smoke, or loss of refrigeration.
HVAC and indoor air
Replace filters and consider professional inspection if smoke, ash, or heat affected ductwork or equipment. Do not run a system that is damaged or contaminated. Ventilate only when outdoor air is safe and officials allow it.
Document before cleanup
Photograph rooms, exterior damage, debris, appliances, vehicles, and serial numbers before moving items. Contact insurance and follow local debris-removal programs. Keep receipts for temporary lodging, food, cleaning, and repairs.
Emotional recovery
Returning can bring grief, shock, anger, poor sleep, or difficulty concentrating. Avoid making unnecessary major decisions immediately, use community support, and seek professional help when distress persists, interferes with function, or creates safety concerns.
Hazardous debris
Do not disturb suspected asbestos, batteries, propane cylinders, pesticides, electronics, or burned structural debris unless local authorities and qualified professionals say it is safe.