Wildfire Risk is Expanding Beyond the West, How Homeowners Can Prepare

As drought conditions intensify across large parts of the country, wildfire risk and property loss are no longer confined to communities living in the West. With that reality comes greater concerns about states that have traditionally been considered low risk and may not yet have fully prepared, like the recent devastation seen in states like Georgia, Texas, and Florida. With new threats of imminent fire danger in southern California, we’re reminded that what was once a seasonal risk has become one that requires constant vigilance and preparedness.

The National Interagency Fire Center recently reported that close to 26,500 fires have burned more than 1.9 million acres of land across the U.S. this year, well above the 10-year average. With population growth expected in higher-risk areas, rising construction costs, and increasingly severe weather, what you do to protect your home and manage your coverage has never been more important.

While weather disasters can disrupt everyday life and cause financial hardship, proactive planning to help safeguard your family and your belongings—along with clear communication and practical preparedness tips—can make recovery easier when time matters most.

Protecting Your Family and Property Before a Wildfire Strikes

• Create an emergency plan: If you haven’t done so already, prepare an emergency fire escape plan with your household that includes emergency contacts, meet up locations, and transportation plans. Don’t forget your pets! Have carriers, food, and vet contacts ready to go.
• Record a home inventory: Take pictures and video to document your personal possessions, because proof of ownership can make your claim settlement easier and faster. A quick video using smartphone or other device of each room can help later.
• Secure your personal information: Back up vital photos, documents, and financial information. Make sure you have installed your preferred insurance apps and other useful digital records. Put original vital documents and irreplaceable items (paper photos, family heirlooms, etc.) in one place so you can grab them quickly if you’re told to leave.

Staying Informed

• Be alert: Sign up for news reports and key information from first responders. Monitor the National Weather Service, local news channels and weather alerts for updates. You can also utilize apps like FEMA or Watch Duty and local emergency notification services.
• Safety first: Material things can be replaced but the loss of life or serious injury can’t be fixed. Close all windows, vents and doors to prevent smoke infiltration.
• Be ready to evacuate: Follow evacuation orders from local authorities without delay. Arrange to take your emergency kit, including vital documents, medications and survival supplies.
• Keep living expenses receipts: They may be reimbursable after meeting your deductible. Filing insurance claims requires organization and thorough documentation.

Preparing for Peak Wildfire Season and Year-Round Hazards

• Protecting your home: Choose coverages, limits, and deductibles based on your home’s construction, roof condition, recent upgrades, and location.
• Enhancing your home’s fire safety: Explore additional steps you can take to eliminate ignition factors around your property and follow this wildfire resilience checklist to see if your home is made of non-ignitable, non-combustible, or fire-resistant materials. Even small actions can make a big impact in protecting your community.
• Ask about wildfire discounts: Depending on where you live and how your home is certified, you may qualify for certain savings. Your State Farm agent can provide information and resources quickly, including if your home is eligible for an IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home designation.
• Beware of scammers: The recovery process is challenging, but having a clear plan and dependable resources will help you rebuild quickly and safely. If you’ve suffered damage and you’re thinking about home improvements, be cautious of contractor fraud and managing do-it-yourself projects alone. Always work with trusted professionals and keep records of any upgrades to support your insurance coverage.

In addition to Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Wildfire Prepared Homes, State Farm is supportive of the development of community-based wildfire prevention and preparedness standards. We are among the more than 100 innovative and diverse FLASH partners that share their vision of making America a more disaster-resistant nation. We also work directly with legislators and regulators across the country on real solutions to promote homeowner resiliency and the availability of insurance to protect what matters most before, during, or after a loss.