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How to Prepare for a Wildfire: Protecting What Matters Most

Wildfires Are Inevitable—Is Your Property Ready?

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent, intense, and unpredictable. Among them, wildfires pose one of the most immediate threats to both lives and property. The most important thing you can do in the face of wildfire danger is evacuate quickly and safely. But knowing your home is protected can give you the peace of mind you need to act decisively.

At MitigateNow, we specialize in helping homeowners and contractors build resilient properties that stand a better chance against wildfires and other natural disasters. Here’s how you can prepare.

Emergency Preparedness: What Every Family Should Know

1. Build an Evacuation Plan

Create and practice a family evacuation plan well in advance. Prepare a go-bag that includes wildfire-specific supplies:

  • N95 masks and protective goggles
  • Boots, long-sleeved clothing, and non-synthetic materials
  • Emergency items like flashlights, first aid kits, radios, cash, and multi-tools

For a complete list, consult the American Red Cross emergency supply kit guide.

2. Know Your Evacuation Route

Ensure all household members understand where to go during a wildfire. Designate meeting points and familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes.

Tune in to reliable sources—like your local fire department, the US Forest Service, and NOAA—for real-time updates. If you live in a wildland-urban interface (WUI), attending community evacuation planning meetings is especially crucial.

Visit ready.gov or explore NFPA’s Firewise USA program to learn more.

3. Include Pets in Your Plans

Don’t forget your pets. Prepare a bag with food, water, medication, ID tags, and leashes or carriers. Having these ready can help you act fast when every second counts.

4. Understand Wildfire Behavior

Familiarize yourself with how wildfires spread—often through wind-blown embers, treetop canopies, and dry brush. Knowledge helps you anticipate fire movement and respond safely.

A good starting point: FireSafeMarin.org

Home Hardening: How to Defend Your Property

1. Create and Maintain Defensible Space

The area within the first five feet of your home is critical. Remove any flammable vegetation or materials—wood piles, patio furniture, fencing, etc. Clear pine needles, brush, and debris from around your structure, especially near decks, roofs, and power lines.

Water sources like pools and ponds can aid firefighters. Ensure your hoses are connected and operational.

2. Ember-Resistant Venting

Flying embers can ignite your home from the inside via unprotected vents. Install ⅛-inch mesh screens or, ideally, retrofit with ember-resistant vent systems to prevent intrusion. You can easily retrofit over existing vents using ember safe retrofit vents or ember safe mesh, or purchase and install complete fire and ember safe vents.

Also, clear out flammable materials near vents, especially in attics or garages.

3. Clean and Upgrade Your Gutters

Gutters collect highly flammable debris. Keep them clean and upgrade to metal systems with Gutter Guards, which prevent ignition and protect your roofline.

4. Install Wildfire Sprinkler Systems

Roof-mounted exterior sprinklers keep surfaces saturated and can prevent spot ignitions. These systems are particularly effective when installed as part of a broader home-hardening strategy.

5. Use Long-Term Fire Retardant (LTR)

LTR treatments are a clear, environmentally friendly solution that can be applied to fences, decks, vegetation, and outbuildings.

They last for months and are effective even when applied during an active fire—what we call Rapid Response Service.

6. Review Your Insurance Coverage

Review your homeowner’s policy before wildfire season. Knowing what’s covered—and what’s not—can help you avoid costly surprises if you ever need to file a claim.

How MitigateNow Helps You Prepare for Wildfires

At MitigateNow, we connect homeowners with the tools, knowledge, and trusted professionals they need to protect their property from the growing threat of wildfires. Our mission is to make wildfire preparedness more accessible, effective, and action-oriented.

Here’s how we help:

  • Connect you with expert wildfire mitigation contractors in your area who understand the unique risks facing your property and can implement proven home-hardening strategies.
  • Offer a curated selection of wildfire defense products through our online shop, including industry-leading brands to ensure you can rely on the products that will protect your property.
  • Support contractors through the MitigateNow Contractor Program, helping them expand their services, reach more homeowners, and gain access to specialized tools and support.
  • Provide educational resources and guidance so homeowners can make informed decisions about protecting their homes before disaster strikes.

Natural Disasters Are Imminent and Continually Getting Worse.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Connect with a Wildfire Contractor today and take the first step toward true property resilience.