Wildfire Readiness Starts Before There Is Smoke in the Air

In British Columbia, wildfire season is not something homeowners can think about only when an evacuation alert is issued. Hotter, drier conditions are making wildfires more common, more intense, and longer-lasting, according to the Government of British Columbia.

While that can sound concerning, it does not mean you need to live in fear. It simply means that being prepared matters.

The best time to prepare for wildfire season is before there is smoke in the air. A good plan should focus on three things: your home, your family, and your insurance coverage. In this article, we’re covering this in more detail.

1. Get Your Home and Property Ready

Wildfire preparedness starts around your home. The Government of British Columbia recommends following FireSmart practices to help lower wildfire risk. Simple yard maintenance and cleanup can help reduce the intensity and spread of a fire.

Some practical steps include:

• Make sure to remove dry leaves, branches, and other debris from around your home.
• Keep any gutters, decks, patios, or balconies clear of anything that could easily catch fire.
• Move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable items away from your house.
• Trim trees and shrubs that are close to your home.
• Check your roof, siding, vents, and other exterior areas that could be vulnerable to flying embers.
• Use FireSmart BC resources or request a home assessment for personalized recommendations.

FireSmart BC offers tools and assessments that can help you understand which improvements may reduce wildfire risk on your property.

2. Create a Family Emergency Plan

Wildfire conditions can change quickly, and there may not be much time to make decisions. Having a written plan in place can help everyone stay calm and know what to do.

The Government of British Columbia recommends creating a plan that outlines how your household will respond during an emergency.

Your plan should include:

• More than one evacuation route from your home and community.
• A meeting place outside the affected area.
• Contact information for family members, neighbors, and emergency contacts.
• Plans for pets, livestock, or family members who may need extra assistance.
• A list of important documents and where they are stored.
• Instructions for safely shutting off utilities if recommended by emergency officials.
• Reliable sources for updates, such as your local government, First Nation, Emergency Info BC, and the BC Wildfire Service.

The province also recommends creating an Emergency Support Services (ESS) profile before an emergency occurs. ESS may provide temporary support such as accommodation, food, clothing, and other essentials if you are evacuated.

3. Pack a Grab-and-Go Bag

If an evacuation order is issued, you may need to leave quickly. In times of stress, having important documents and other items all in one place can help. A grab-and-go bag can help ensure you have the essentials ready when you need them.

The Government of British Columbia recommends keeping one at home, at work, and in your vehicle whenever possible.

Your bag should include:

• Water and ready-to-eat food
• A phone charger and battery bank
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• A first aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Basic toiletries
• Copies of important documents
• Cash
• Seasonal clothing
• A local map
• A copy of your emergency plan

For insurance purposes, it is also a good idea to include:

• Your broker’s contact information
• Your policy number
• Copies of your insurance documents
• A current home inventory
• Photos or videos of major belongings, equipment, and valuables
• Receipts or appraisals for high-value items

Store digital copies in a secure cloud account or another off-site location so you can access them even if you cannot return home.

4. Review Your Insurance Before Wildfire Season

Insurance is an important part of being prepared. Did you know that Disaster Financial Assistance is not available for wildfire losses, which makes it especially important to understand your insurance coverage before you need it.

Do not wait until a wildfire is approaching your community to review your policy. Once a wildfire is actively threatening an area, it may be difficult to make coverage changes or purchase additional insurance.

Here’s what you should ask your broker:

• Do I have enough coverage to rebuild my home at today’s construction costs?
• Are detached structures such as sheds, garages, and workshops covered properly?
• Do I have enough coverage for my personal belongings?
• Are valuable items documented and insured correctly?
• What living expenses are covered if I need to evacuate?
• How long would those benefits last?
• Do I understand my deductible?
• Do I need coverage for a home-based business, rental suite, vacation property, or recreational property?
• Is my business interruption coverage adequate if a wildfire affects my operations?

The Government of British Columbia notes that most homeowner and tenant policies include coverage for reasonable additional living expenses if you must leave your home because of an evacuation order. If you are evacuated, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible and keep all receipts.

5. Keep Records Before You Need Them

Good documentation can make the claims process much easier after a loss. Before wildfire season, take time to create or update a home inventory. Walk through your home and take

photos or videos of each room, including storage areas, garages, sheds, and outdoor structures.

Document or film items such as:

• Appliances
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Tools
• Sports equipment
• Artwork
• Jewelry
• Other valuable belongings

Business owners also need to document equipment, inventory, vehicles, leasehold improvements, records, and other important assets. Store copies of receipts, warranties, appraisals, serial numbers, and photos in a secure digital location. This information can help your insurer understand exactly what was lost or damaged if you need to make a claim.

6. Know Where to Get Reliable Information

Wildfire conditions can change quickly, so it is important to follow trusted sources for updates.

The Government of British Columbia. recommends monitoring:

• BC Wildfire Service
• Emergency Info BC
• DriveBC for road closures
• Your local government or First Nation emergency channels
• FireSmart BC
• PreparedBC

If you see smoke, flames, or an unattended campfire, the Government advises that you call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from your mobile device.

You’re Now Prepared

Wildfire preparedness is not something you do once and then forget about it. It is a combination of practical steps that can help protect your home, support your family during an emergency, and ensure your insurance coverage reflects your current needs.

Before any wildfire season ramps up, take time to prepare your property, update your emergency plan, check your grab-and-go bag, and review your insurance coverage.

A little preparation today can help reduce stress and uncertainty later.