A wildfire preparedness checklist uses three readiness levels — WATCH, WARNING, and ORDER — matching California's fire alert system and similar systems nationwide. Complete the WATCH (be ready) items during fire season. When WARNING is issued, be set to leave immediately. When ORDER comes, evacuate without hesitation.
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Wildfire Readiness: What to Do at Each Level
Wildfire preparation cannot wait until the day a fire is burning. The most important work — building defensible space, hardening your home, packing go-bags, and knowing your evacuation routes — must be done during normal conditions when you have time and resources to do it properly.
WATCH: Prepare now, before fire season
During WATCH conditions, focus on defensible space. Clear Zone 1 (0-30 feet from home) of dead plants, dry leaves, and wood piles. Space trees and shrubs to break fire ladders — remove branches within 10 feet of the ground. In Zone 2 (30-100 feet), thin vegetation density. Pack go-bags with enough supplies for 3+ days. Download offline maps.
WARNING: Be ready to leave in minutes
During WARNING, your go-bags should already be packed. Load them into your vehicle. Fill your gas tank. Know which direction to drive. Close all windows and doors (delays fire entry). Remove combustible materials from decks and immediate surroundings if time allows. Wear protective clothing. Turn on all exterior and interior lights (makes home visible in smoke).
ORDER: Leave immediately
When an evacuation ORDER is issued, leave without delay. Do not gather additional items — your preparation should already be done. Take your go-bags, pets, and medications. Drive away from the fire — follow official evacuation routes or drive perpendicular to the fire's direction of travel. Notify family members of your location when safe to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this wildfire checklist free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. Your progress saves in your browser.
What are the three wildfire alert levels?
WATCH means conditions are favorable for fire — be aware and be ready. WARNING means fire is in the area — be set to leave immediately. ORDER means evacuate immediately — there is danger to your area. Alert levels vary by state and county — some use Level 1/2/3 instead of Watch/Warning/Order. Register for your county's emergency alert system to receive notifications.
What is defensible space?
Defensible space is the buffer between your home and the surrounding vegetation that gives firefighters room to safely defend your property and reduces the chance of fire reaching your home. Zone 1 (0-30 feet from home): keep lean, clean, and green — remove dead plants, trim branches, space trees to break fire ladders. Zone 2 (30-100 feet): reduce plant density and volume.
What should I do to harden my home against wildfire?
Key hardening measures: install ember-resistant vents, use Class A fire-rated roofing materials, enclose eaves and soffits, install dual-paned windows, use non-combustible materials on deck surfaces, and clear at least 5 feet around the home perimeter of combustible materials. Your local fire department may offer free home assessment programs.
How much time do I have to evacuate in a wildfire?
Often very little — sometimes minutes in fast-moving fires with wind. This is why preparation must be done before a wildfire threat exists. Know your evacuation routes, have your go-bag packed, and leave EARLY when an evacuation warning is issued — don't wait for a mandatory order if conditions look dangerous.