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Stay safe during a wildfire.

We're here to help protect you before, during and after a natural disaster.

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How to prepare for a natural disaster

We’ve put together a natural disaster action plan with tips to help you stay safe.

  • Create an evacuation plan.
  • Grab your emergency kit.
  • Gather important documents.
  • Photograph your property.
Check out action plan

Learn how to prepare for wildfires.

Wildfire preparation

Video Duration: 2 minutes 35 seconds

Protect your family: Elapsed time 0 seconds [00:00]

Preparing for wildfires can be as simple as being proactive and having a plan. In conjunction with helpful steps provided by IBHS, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, here are some ways to help you and your loved ones stay safe.

Protect the outdoors: Elapsed time 17 seconds [00:17]

Protect the outdoors.

Focus on the 5 feet immediately surrounding your home and follow these steps:

  • Reduce flammable vegetation in the buffer zone around your home.
  • Remove branches that hang over your roof or come within 15 feet of the chimney.
  • Place flammables, such as woodpiles, propane tanks and gas grills, at least 30 feet from all structures.
  • Remove flammable materials like lawn furniture from the area surrounding your house.
  • Don't park boats, RVs or other vehicles in this zone.

Protect the indoors: Elapsed time 52 seconds [00:52]

Protect the indoors.

Take the necessary precautions inside your home.

  • Close off all doors and windows but don't lock them, and turn off air-conditioning and air-circulation systems.
  • Move furniture away from windows and sliding glass doors and turn on lights in each room for visibility in case of smoke.
  • Remove any debris from screens covering vents in your attic or crawl space. If you don't have screens, cover the vents with duct tape or metal to block embers.

Stay informed: Elapsed time 1 minute 31 seconds [01:31]

Stay informed.

  • Sign up and listen to emergency alerts for information and instructions.
  • Stay aware of the latest news from your local media and fire department.

Plan ahead: Elapsed time 1 minute 42 seconds [01:42]

Plan ahead.

  • Create a survival kit with items, such as water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, necessary medicine and a first-aid kit.
  • Have a fire extinguisher handy to put out small flames, gather or inventory important documents and valuables, and have a full tank of gas in case you need to evacuate.
  • Be ready to bring pets inside, and take them with you if you need to evacuate.
  • Put livestock and horses in an irrigated pasture or area where fuels have been removed.

We’re here to help: Elapsed time 2 minutes 21 seconds [02:21]

And always remember: We're here to help. If your property has been damaged by a wildfire and you need to file a claim, click the link above to get started.

End: Elapsed time 2 minutes 35 seconds [02:35]

Wildfire safety tips

Learn how to help keep you and your family safe during a wildfire with .

More safety tips during a wildfire

Here are some tips to help you stay safe during a wildfire.

  • Prop a ladder against the house to help firefighters access the roof.
  • Have a fire extinguisher ready to put out small flames.
  • Store water for putting out embers or small fires after the fire has passed.
  • Have a full tank of gas in case you need to evacuate.
  • Designate a safe room that’s closed off from outside air.
  • Use a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low.
  • Be prepared to place wet towels under door and window openings.
  • Keep a piece of clothing or a towel over your nose to filter out smoke.
  • Create a survival kit Opens in New Window. Include things like water, flashlights and extra batteries.
  • Charge your mobile device and sign up for emergency alerts Opens in New Window.

Indoor safety

If you're inside, turn off air conditioning and circulation systems. Move furniture away from windows and turn on lights for visibility. Close all doors and windows, but don’t lock them. Remove flammable curtains and close metal blinds.

Outdoor safety

If there is a safe building nearby, get inside immediately. If not, go to an area clear of vegetation. Don't go outside until the fire has passed and the outside temperature has dropped.

Driving safety

If you’re in a vehicle and can't get to a safe building, turn on headlights and hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible in heavy smoke. Turn off the air conditioner and close all vents.

Take steps to protect your home.

Embers and small flames are the main ways homes catch fire during a wildfire. To lower the risk:

  • Review the buffer zone around your home. For example, remove branches hanging over your roof or within 15 feet of the chimney.
  • Keep flammables, such as woodpiles, lawn furniture, propane tanks and gas grills, at least 30 feet away from all structures.
  • Get tips on things like upgrading your shingles and maintaining your deck in our wildfire protection guide.

Be ready if you need to evacuate.

If your home feels unsafe or you receive evacuation orders, be prepared to leave quickly. Here are some tips:

  • Locate the nearest open shelter.
  • Turn off your gas, electricity and water.
  • Leave gates unlocked to help firefighters access your property.
  • Pack food and medication for your pets, and use our pet checklist Opens in New Window.
  • If you have horses or livestock, use the livestock evacuation checklist Opens in New Window.

 

Read evacuation guide

Get wildfire response at no extra cost.

The USAA Wildfire Response Program could help protect your home from active wildfires. Our providers monitor for threats and send certified firefighters to help lessen or prevent losses.

You'll need to have an active USAA Homeowners or Rental Property Insurance policy. If your home is located in a state covered by the program and it's an eligible type of dwelling, we'll automatically enroll you.

 

Learn about our wildfire program

What to do after a wildfire

Find out when it’s safe to return home.

If you had to evacuate your home, listen to authorities and the local news for updates. They can let you know when it’s safe to return home and if water is safe to drink.

Know your rights and protect finances.

Your policy will cover the reasonable costs of repairs after a covered loss whether you work with a USAA-preferred contractor or not.

If you want to use your own, ask friends and family for recommendations and read reviews. And make sure you read and understand any documents before signing.

Inspect property and assess damage.

If you find damage, take photos and file a claim. Save receipts for temporary repairs and avoid permanent repairs until your claims adjuster checks the damage.

For more help, check out our guide for property damage.

File claims for vehicle damage.

If there’s damage, take photos before removing debris or making temporary repairs. For auto glass damage, file an auto glass claim. For other damage, file an auto claim. Save receipts for temporary repairs to get reimbursed.

How to file a natural disaster claim

Try to report your claim as soon as possible. This helps you secure a contractor early, avoiding long wait times.

Steps to complete How to file a natural disaster claim

  1. Report your claim

    Tell us what happened. Get started on usaa.com or the USAA Mobile App.

  2. Get more details

    We’ll review what happened and check what your policy covers. You can also add more details in My Claims Center.

  3. Evaluate the claim

    We’ll go over the details and figure out what to pay based on your coverage and deductible.

  4. Settle the claim

    If covered, we’ll make a payment to you or a third party. 

Ready to report your claim?

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Related footnotes:

  1. Safety guidelines are not intended to be all inclusive, but are provided for your consideration. Please use your own judgment to determine what safety features/procedures should be used in each unique situation.

  2. Property and casualty insurance underwritten by United Services Automobile Association (USAA), USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, NOBLR Reciprocal Exchange, based in San Antonio, Texas; USAA S.A. (Europe), and USAA S.A. UK Branch (United Kingdom) and is available only to persons eligible for property and casualty group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

    Coverages subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

  3. Membership eligibility and product restrictions apply and are subject to change.

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