The unmistakable orange glow on the horizon. The acrid smell of smoke. The unsettling thought that you might need to grab your emergency bag and run. It’s happening more and more these days. Looking at the numbers from the National Interagency Fire Center, the U.S. saw around 57,000 to 69,000 wildfires each year from 2021 to 2023, burning millions of acres of land.
The Los Angeles wildfires of 2025 have hit particularly hard, claiming 24 lives so far—as of January 13, 2025—and earning the grim label of one of America’s “worst catastrophes.” But this isn’t just an American problem. From Siberia to Australia, from Canada’s British Columbia to Nigeria, and across Africa, wildfires have become a global crisis that affects us all.
Being prepared can be a lifesaver—literally. Here’s your comprehensive guide to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your property at every stage of a wildfire.
Before the Fire: Preparation is Your Best Defense
Creating Your Evacuation Plan
Don’t wait until you see flames to figure out how to escape. Map out multiple evacuation routes from your home and community – main roads might become blocked, so knowing alternate paths is crucial.
Be sure to establish a family meeting point outside the fire-risk area and ensure everyone knows how to get there. If you have children, practice the evacuation plan regularly, just like you would a fire drill. If that is not possible, then at least drum the details into everyone’s head as often as possible.
Lest we forget, assign roles: Determine who is responsible for pets, gathering supplies, or alerting family members.
Building Your Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit is a bag containing essential items you will need if you have to leave your home due to a wildfire evacuation order. Here’s what you need:
- Non-perishable food and water (enough for 3 days per person).
- A flashlight with extra batteries.
- A first aid kit with medications.
- Important documents (ID, insurance papers) in a waterproof pouch.
- Cash and credit cards.
- N95 masks to protect from smoke.
- A phone charger and a portable power bank.
- Comfort items like a change of clothes and hygiene products.
This bag should be packed and ready to go, especially if you live in a wildfire-prone area. Don’t forget to check your kit every six months. Replace expired items and update documents as needed.
Protecting Your Home
Creating defensible space around your home isn’t just good practice – it’s essential for survival. Start with these steps:
- Clear leaves, dead vegetation, and flammable materials within 30 feet of your house.
- Remove branches that overhang your roof.
- Replace wood chips with gravel or stone mulch near buildings.
- Install ember-resistant vents and seal any gaps under doors and windows.
- Keep gutters clean and covered.
- Store flammable materials (firewood, propane tanks) at least 30 feet from structures.
- Consider installing external sprinklers and keep multiple garden hoses that can reach all areas of your property. If you’re building or renovating, choose fire-resistant materials for your roof, siding, and windows.
Remember to always stay informed. You may want to sign up for emergency alerts to get updates right on your phone. Also, take a few minutes to learn what different fire warnings mean. Knowing the difference between an “Evacuation Warning” and an “Evacuation Order” could save precious time when it matters.
And here’s a very important tip: keep a battery-powered radio handy in case the power goes out.
During the Fire: When Every Second Counts
Evacuation Decisions
It’s important to always wait for the official evacuation order and avoid any panic movement. However, if you feel threatened, then by all means, move. Listen to local news and emergency radio for updates, but trust your instincts. If you see fire or heavy smoke, leave immediately. Remember: possessions can be replaced; lives cannot.
Before leaving:
- Close all windows and doors.
- Remove flammable window coverings.
- Turn on exterior lights to help firefighters see your house.
- Shut off the gas at the source.
- Leave your garden sprinklers on if you have time.
- Take your emergency kit and important documents.
- Don’t forget the kids – and your pets.
If You’re Trapped
If you can’t evacuate, don’t panic – take these steps to stay safe:
First, call 911 right away and tell them exactly where you are. Fill up your bathtubs and sinks with water while you can. Then, gather your family in a room that has windows facing away from the fire, and shut all doors behind you.
Protect yourself from smoke by putting wet towels at the bottom of doors and covering your nose and mouth with a damp cloth or N95 mask. Make sure everyone stays away from exterior walls.
After the Fire: Recovery and Return
Before Returning Home
Understandably, you may be in a hurry to return home and check on your belongings. But it’s wiser to wait for official clearance before returning to your property. Even after the fire passes, there could still be dangers: Fires can flare up again, trees might fall, and there could be live power lines down. Plus, all that ash isn’t safe to breathe. So, all in all, wait for official information from firefighters and the local authority before returning home.
Checking Your Property
Once authorities declare it’s safe, and you arrive at your property, make sure to do the following before any settling in.
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- Document damage with photos for insurance.
- Watch for downed power lines and report them.
- Check for gas leaks – if you smell gas, leave immediately and call 911.
- Very important, don’t drink tap water until authorities declare it safe.
Even if the area appears safe, wear protective gear: N95 mask, goggles, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes while doing these inspections. Once you’ve gotten all these out of the way, you can start your cleanup.
The Road to Recovery
If you have home insurance, and depending on how your cover works, you can get in touch with your insurance company immediately to begin the claims process. Keep all receipts for temporary housing and supplies – they may be reimbursable.
If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may want to reach out to your local authority for advice. In the USA, FEMA may be able to fund part or all of the cost for cleanup or other related activities.
Preparing For the Next Fire
The best time to prepare for the next fire is now. Here’s what you can do immediately to ensure that you, your family, and your property are safe in the future.
- Back up your important papers to the cloud (think birth certificates, insurance docs, and IDs).
- Get a fire sprinkler system installed – it’s one of the best ways to protect your home.
- Team up with your neighbors by joining or starting a local emergency response group.
- Take a fresh look at your emergency supplies and evacuation plans based on what you’ve learned from past experiences.
- And if you can, consider donating to your local fire department – they’re the ones who’ll be there when you need them most.
Final Words
Wildfires are a harsh reality in many parts of the world, but preparation can make all the difference. By creating a solid plan, staying informed, and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself, your family, and your home.
Remember, safety comes first—don’t hesitate to evacuate when needed. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and be prepared for whatever comes your way.
