Wildfires are becoming an increasingly common and destructive force across the United States, especially during peak wildfire season from April through October. We often associate wildfires with the western states of California, Oregon, and Colorado due to their drier climates and the types of vegetation that typically grow there, but wildfires can happen anywhere and are also common in the southern states of North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida as well. No matter where you live, it is important to be prepared for a wildfire. Even if you live somewhere where wildfires are uncommon, you could still be affected by the impact of smoke burning hundreds or thousands of miles away. 

Preparation is critical to protecting your home, your family, and your quality of life during wildfire season. Follow this comprehensive wildfire preparation checklist to ensure you’re ready to face any situation, no matter where you live.  

How to Prepare for Wildfires

1. Take Steps to Protect your Home

When wildfires strike, protecting your home may seem like an impossible task. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your home’s vulnerability to smaller fires or slow the progress of a wildfire. 

• Clear Dead Vegetation: Remove dry leaves, grass, and other flammable debris around your home. Keep a 30-foot "defensible space" around your property.
• Trim Trees: Cut back branches that overhang your roof or are too close to power lines.
• Use Fire-Resistant Materials: Consider upgrading to fire-resistant roofing, siding, and decking. Adding mesh screening to vents and gutters can also prevent flying embers from penetrating your home.

These proactive measures can make a significant difference in the event of a wildfire, preventing small fires from escalating and enhancing firefighters' ability to protect your property. 

2. Collect Irreplaceable Items and Important Documents

Preparing for potential evacuation starts with organizing the most valuable and important items in your home. 

• Store Sentimental Items Safely: Keep family heirlooms, photos, and other one-of-a-kind items together in a fireproof and waterproof container. Back up digital copies of photos and important files to a cloud storage service.
• Prepare Essential Documents:
  • IDs and passports
  • Insurance policies (including homeowner’s insurance and check for wildfire coverage)
  • Medical records and prescriptions
  • Copies of utility bills (which may be required for identification purposes in evacuation centers)

Storing these items in an accessible location makes it easier to grab them quickly in case of sudden evacuation. 

3. Create an Emergency Evacuation Kit

A well-prepared emergency kit can make all the difference when facing a fast-moving fire. Pack these essentials for every member of your household: 

• Medications and medical supplies
• N95 masks to protect against harmful smoke inhalation
• First-aid kit
• Three days of non-perishable food and water for each person
• Chargers and portable battery packs for electronic devices
• Extra clothing and sturdy shoes
• A battery-powered NOAA weather radio for real-time updates
• Cash 

Having this kit ready ensures you’re equipped to leave at a moment's notice, reducing stress and uncertainty in an already chaotic situation. 

4. Vehicle Preparedness 

Fires can start and spread fast, especially when the conditions are right. If you live in an area prone to fires, you may have to leave with a moment's notice.

• Keep Your Gas Tank Full: During wildfire season, don’t let your tank fall below half full. Fuel shortages can occur when evacuation orders are issued.
• Plan Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with multiple routes out of your area in case fire blocks your primary exit route.
• Stock Emergency Supplies in Your Car: Include water, snacks, blankets, and a flashlight with extra batteries.

By planning ahead, you can avoid last-minute panic and help ensure a smoother evacuation if needed. 

5. Consider the Air Quality

Even if flames don’t directly threaten your home, poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke can pose serious health risks. This is especially true for vulnerable individuals, such as babies, young children, older adults, and people with underlying respiratory conditions like asthma.

• Relocation: If the air quality becomes hazardous, consider temporarily relocating until conditions improve. Check air quality indexes regularly using apps or local news resources.
• Invest in an Air Purifier: A high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can dramatically improve your indoor air quality, ensuring the air inside your home remains safe to breathe.
• Seal Your Home: Close all doors, windows, and vents to prevent smoke and pollutants from entering.

Shop now: Check out PuroAir’s high quality air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters. These air purifiers filter up to 99.9% of particulate matter and chemicals out of your breathing air leaving your home a sanctuary even in uncertain times. 

Taking Control Amidst Uncertainty 

Wildfires are unpredictable and often devastating, but there are steps you can take to minimize their impact on your life. 

By following this wildfire preparation checklist, you can ensure your household is ready for whatever this wildfire season brings. From protecting your home to creating an evacuation plan and monitoring air quality, these small actions can make a big difference in an emergency. 

Stay prepared. Stay safe. And if there’s one tool you invest in this season, make it a trusted air purifier like PuroAir to maintain healthy air for your family.