How to make a wildfire plan for your home, family | PEMCO

Low snowpack and spotty spring rains could make for a wilder-than-normal PNW wildfire season. Newly released maps from the Predictive Services researchers at the National Interagency Fire Center call for above-normal “significant wildland fire potential” in eastern Washington and Oregon by June. The entire west side follows by August. 

And while wet weather could still douse those odds, now’s your chance to make a practical wildfire plan to safeguard your home, family, pets, and livestock.  

We break it down in six actionable steps: 

1. Know your wildfire risk  

While people worry about wildfire, too few plan for it or truly understand their risk. 

In a PEMCO Poll from 2024, 82% of Washington and Oregon respondents said they were at least somewhat concerned about wildfire, yet 26% said they still don’t take precautions to address possible impacts before the threat becomes imminent.  

A new study by Oregon State University shows that people living in over 400 smaller PNW communities may underestimate the danger even further. Researchers weighed “social vulnerability” as a factor in calculating wildfires’ potential impact. They found that, in addition to commonly studied metrics like structural density, variables like socioeconomic status, housing type, and transportation can weaken smaller communities’ ability to recover after wildfires. 

Check out these detailed risk maps for Washington and Oregon, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Forest Service, to zoom in on details for your county.  

2. Create a Family Emergency Communication Plan 

A wildfire evacuation order can leave family members scrambling between home, work, and school when the alert goes out. We like this Family Emergency Communication Plan template from ready.gov that puts all the information your family needs in one place.  

Once you fill out the form, share it with family members, caregivers, employers, or anyone who might need it.  

3. Understand evacuation levels and map two ways out 

Here’s what each evacuation level means and what to do: 

• Level 1: A wildfire threatens your area. Watch for notices and gather essentials (like these suggested by the Red Cross) so you’re ready to go if needed. Scout at least TWO escape routes out of your neighborhood and workplace. Prepare pets and livestock for evacuation. 
• Level 2: A general evacuation may be coming. Load your essentials into the car along with personal items like clothing. Space permitting, pack valuable, portable items. If you have mobility and medical issues, leave now. Move livestock now.  
• Level 3: Authorities order all residents to evacuate, usually via a designated route. Once out, check in with your local Red Cross shelter so officials and worried family members will know you’re “accounted for” – even if cell service is down.  

4. Connect with neighbors, elders, and fellow livestock owners 

Not everyone may be able to get out in an emergency as quickly as you can.  

Have an elderly or disabled neighbor who could use your help? Offer to be their backup and, if needed, evacuate them with your family. 

Do you own pets or livestock that could be stranded if you’re away when a fire breaks out? Make a Livestock Emergency Preparedness Plan with your livestock-owning neighbors. Confirm it’s OK to enter each other’s property, load, and haul animals to safety if necessary.   
 

5. Sign up for emergency alerts, FEMA app 

Emergency alerts keep you up to date on conditions and evacuation orders. Check ready.gov for help troubleshooting your device if you’re not getting Wireless Emergency Alerts. Also, Google your town’s name or county along with the words “emergency alerts” and sign up for any local alerts available.   

And, if you haven’t done it already, download the FEMA app to streamline access to help in an emergency. 

6. Get help understanding your PEMCO coverage 

Not sure what your PEMCO policy covers when it comes to wildfire? We can help with a free coverage review. For example, we can explain how: 

• smoke damage may be covered, even if the fire never reaches your home; 
• deductibles work; 
• your policy may offer some reimbursement for added expenses (like a hotel room and takeout meals) if you must leave your home during an evacuation.  

Talk with your local PEMCO agent or call 1-800-GO-PEMCO to learn more. Watch for more tips on staying safe in wildfire season with our wildfire PLAN, PREPARE, PREVENT series.