With wildfires on the rise across North America, protecting your home—and knowing what to do if you’re forced to evacuate—is more important than ever.
We’ve seen firsthand how devastating wildfires can be. But with a few smart upgrades and a solid plan in place, you can significantly reduce the risk to your home and improve your family’s safety during an emergency.
Inspired by Chubb’s expert guide on wildfire-resilient home design, here’s a practical breakdown of what you can do before, during, and after a wildfire event.
Step 1: Make Your Home Wildfire-Resistant
The best time to prepare your home is long before smoke is in the air. These upgrades help create a buffer zone between your house and a potential blaze.
Choose Fire-Rated Roofing
Use Class A fire-rated materials like metal, slate, concrete tile, or composite shingles. These materials resist ember ignition and can protect your home’s most vulnerable surface.
Go Non-Combustible with Siding
Use Class A fire-rated materials like metal, slate, concrete tile, or composite shingles. These materials resist ember ignition and can protect your home’s most vulnerable surface.
Upgrade Windows and Doors
Dual or triple-pane tempered glass windows and steel-framed doors can resist heat and prevent breakage. Make sure all doors are well sealed.
Don’t Overlook Vents & Eaves
These are entry points for embers. Install 1/8″ wire mesh over all exterior vents and enclose your eaves if possible.
Rethink Decks and Landscaping
Avoid wood decks and fences that are connected to your home. Use fire-resistant materials, clear away flammable brush, and create at least 30 feet of defensible space around your house.
Step 2: Be Ready to Evacuate
Even with the best prep, there are times you’ll need to leave. A fast, calm evacuation can save lives—and knowing what to do in advance can help ease the stress.
Build a “Go Bag”
Every household should have an emergency kit with:
- 3 days of food and water
- Copies of ID, insurance, and important documents
- Medications
- Flashlights, chargers, and batteries
- N95 masks, pet supplies, and cash
Know Your Routes
Plan multiple evacuation routes in case roads are blocked. Choose a meeting point outside the danger zone and practice your plan with everyone in the house.
Prepare Your Property Before You Leave
- Close all windows and doors (but don’t lock them)
- Turn off propane and gas lines
- Move flammable furniture away from windows
- Leave lights on inside and out to help firefighters navigate through smoke
Document Your Home
If there’s time and it’s safe, do a quick video walkthrough of your home—open drawers, closets, pantries, and show valuables or unique items. This can be incredibly helpful for insurance claims if your home is damaged or destroyed.
Step 3: After Evacuating, Call Your Insurance Broker
Many homeowners don’t realize that coverage may exist even if your home isn’t damaged. If you’re ordered to evacuate due to wildfire risk, your policy may include mass evacuation coverage for accommodations, food, and other expenses.
Our team closely monitors wildfire activity and evacuation alerts, and we’re here to help—whether you need immediate support or you’re facing the unimaginable loss of your home.
Don’t wait. As soon as you’re safe, reach out to your broker so we can start advocating for you right away.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to imagine losing their home, but being proactive can make all the difference. From smart home upgrades to real-time evacuation support, preparation is key.
If you’re unsure whether your insurance offers wildfire evacuation coverage—or whether your home is adequately protected—reach out to us. We work with top-tier insurers to ensure you’re properly covered before wildfire season hits.
Let’s build a wildfire-ready future: one home at a time.
Have questions about coverage or how to prepare your property? Contact us today.
Share post:
Dorothea Dowling
Senior Vice President, Personal Lines
Hello, I’m Dorothea Dowling, Senior Vice President, Personal Lines and National Practice Group Leader at Axis Insurance. With 15 years of industry experience, my expertise lies in safeguarding high-value properties and assets, including hard-to-place properties like equestrian facilities. I’ve been recognized as a finalist for prestigious industry awards, like Business Magazine’s Young Achiever of the Year and IBABC PL Broker of the Year, and have a track record of delivering tailored solutions that enable clients to embrace risk and drive success.
Learn more
