WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS
Wildfires can spread quickly and threaten homes, property, and communities. Preparing before wildfire season can help protect your home and keep your family safe.
Prevent Wildfires Around Your Home
- Keep roofs and gutters clear of leaves, pine needles, and other debris.
- Maintain a defensible space around your home. Keep wood piles, dried leaves, brush, and other combustible materials away from structures.
- Keep garden hoses long enough to reach all areas of your home and property.
- Review your homeowners or renters insurance and keep an updated inventory of your belongings.
- Learn more about wildfire-resistant landscaping and home preparation through the Nebraska Forest Service.
Prepare for Wildfire
- Monitor local weather and wildfire conditions.
- Sign up for emergency alerts and know how your community will issue evacuation information.
- Know multiple evacuation routes and identify where you will go if you need to leave.
- Make a family communication plan and let friends or relatives know where you plan to go.
- Keep your vehicle fueled and ready to go.
- Keep an emergency kit in your home and vehicle, including:
- Medications
- Important documents
- Water and food
- Flashlights
- A change of clothes
- Make arrangements for pets and livestock before an emergency occurs.
If a Wildfire Threatens
- Follow local officials and monitor television, radio, and official emergency alerts for instructions.
- Evacuate immediately when ordered. Do not wait for conditions to worsen.
- Take your emergency kit, medications, important documents, and pets with you.
- Close windows and doors before leaving, if time allows.
- Avoid areas affected by smoke and fire.
- Never block roads or evacuation routes. Emergency responders need access.