Wildfire checklist

A short list to help you get ready for wildfires and smoke. It's based on Ready.gov, National Weather Service, AirNow, NFPA and American Red Cross guidance, not advice about any one home.

Before wildfire season
[ ] Sign up for emergency alerts from your county or parish.
    Learn more: How to get alerts https://www.ready.gov/alerts
[ ] Know your evacuation routes and where you would go.
    Learn more: Evacuation basics https://www.ready.gov/evacuation
[ ] Clear dry leaves and debris from your gutters and from the area around your home, out to at least 30 feet.
    Learn more: Firewise USA® (NFPA) https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa
[ ] If you can, keep N95 masks in your supply kit for smoke.
    Learn more: Wildfire safety https://www.ready.gov/wildfires
[ ] Learn what a Red Flag Warning means.
    Learn more: Fire weather alerts https://www.weather.gov/safety/wildfire-ww

When a wildfire is near
[ ] If local officials tell you to evacuate, leave right away.
    Learn more: Wildfire safety https://www.ready.gov/wildfires
    Learn more: FL: Wildfire safety https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hazards/wildfire/
[ ] If there's smoke and you aren't told to leave, stay inside with windows and doors closed.
    Learn more: Check air quality https://www.airnow.gov/
[ ] Keep your phone charged. If you have a car, keep the gas tank full in case you need to leave.
    Learn more: Evacuation basics https://www.ready.gov/evacuation

After the wildfire
[ ] Wait until local officials say it's OK to return.
[ ] Stay away from hot ash, burning embers, burned trees and downed power lines. The ground can still be hot.
    Learn more: After a wildfire https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/wildfire.html
[ ] Take photos of any damage before you clean up, for your own records.
[ ] Contact your insurance company or agent to report damage.
[ ] Watch for fraud. Don't pay for repairs in full before the work is done. FEMA doesn't charge a fee to apply for disaster help. Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
    Learn more: Report a scam https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Sources: Ready.gov "Wildfires" and "Evacuation"; NOAA National Weather Service; AirNow.gov (EPA and partners); NFPA's Firewise USA® program; American Red Cross; Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Information from US federal and state government agencies and from nonprofit organizations. KAVO360 is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by any of them. Last reviewed 2026-10-21.

General information only. KAVO360 isn't an emergency alert service and doesn't issue watches or warnings. The National Weather Service and your local officials are the official sources. Always follow local officials and evacuation orders.