30-Minute Before The Fire Checklist

Record a slow video walkthrough of every room.Open closets, cabinets, drawers, garage, porch, shed, and storage areas.

Photograph high-value items.Electronics, tools, jewelry, appliances, furniture, instruments, equipment.

Capture serial/model numbers where visible.Do not spend all day. Get the obvious ones now.

Photograph the outside of the property.Roof, vents, eaves, deck, fence, siding, windows, outbuildings, vehicles, and yard items.

Photograph your defensible space.Show clearance around the house, trimmed trees, and where flammables were stored — before and after you clear them.

Back up photos somewhere off the phone.Cloud drive, email to yourself, or another trusted storage option.

Put insurance policy info in one place.Home, renters, wildfire/fire coverage, auto, and agent/company contact info.

Gather IDs and key household documents.Driver licenses, passports, birth certificates, account records, titles, lease/mortgage info.

Save emergency contacts.Family, neighbors, doctors, pharmacy, veterinarian, utility companies, insurer.

Copy medication and medical-device details.Names, dosages, refill info, refrigeration needs, battery or power needs.

Put copies in a waterproof folder or bag.Also save digital copies where you can reach them if you leave home.

Move flammables away from the house.Patio furniture and cushions, doormats, firewood, propane tanks, trash cans, toys — at least 30 feet out, or inside.

Close everything up.All windows, doors, vents, and pet doors. This slows ember entry.

Move vehicles if you can do so safely.Into the garage or away from vegetation, facing outward, windows closed.

Connect garden hoses and fill buckets.Leave hoses connected with spray nozzles so they are usable.

Take one final outside video.It may help show pre-fire condition later.

Confirm where everyone will be.Home, work, school, shelter, hotel, family, or evacuation destination.

Pack pet basics.Food, leash/carrier, medicine, vaccine record, tags, photo, bowls, litter or cleanup supplies.

Check prescriptions and medical supplies.Include glasses, chargers, batteries, refrigerated medication plan, and device power plan.

Write down one out-of-area contact.Someone outside the storm zone who can relay updates.

Charge phones, battery banks, and radios.Turn on low-power mode when needed.

Make a quick go-bag.Documents, meds, chargers, clothing, cash, keys, pet supplies, N95 masks, comfort items for kids.

Know two ways out.Plan more than one evacuation route — fire can close the obvious one.

Know your evacuation trigger.If officials order evacuation for your area, follow the order. Do not wait to pack.

Charge phones, battery banks, and radios.Turn on low-power mode when needed. Sign up for local emergency alerts if you have not.

Start a fire log.Write down dates, calls, damage notes, photos taken, receipts, and claim communication.