Check the protection
Ask the insurer what fire, smoke and evacuation-related costs are covered, what limits apply and whether additional living expenses require an insured loss. Availability and conditions can vary. Keep the policy and contact details accessible in case evacuation is required; do not wait until an active emergency to read exclusions.
Prepare the property safely
Follow local fire authority guidance on vegetation, combustibles and evacuation plans. Take a home inventory and back up important documents. Our home calculator uses no wildfire location data, so it cannot estimate address-specific exposure or substitute for a property inspection.
Preparing to leave quickly
Keep digital copies of your policy, identification and a home inventory in a place you can reach from outside the home. Follow evacuation instructions from local authorities. If you must leave, ask the insurer how evacuation expenses and temporary housing are handled; do not presume all costs are covered automatically.
Quick check
- Review fire and living-expense terms
- Follow local alerts
- Keep an inventory
General educational content, reviewed September 28, 2026. Rules, availability and policy wording can change. Confirm current details with the linked authority or a licensed insurer or broker.