Wildfires can occur at any time and without warning. The fast‑moving flames are often devastating. Take these four steps to help prepare your property before and during fire season, typically between June and October.
Remove Outdoor Fire Hazards
Clear brush piles or other combustible vegetation. Trim bushes and remove low‑hanging tree limbs. Contact your utility company if you have limbs on or near power lines.
Test Your Alarms
Test smoke and CO2 alarms every 1‑2 months and change the batteries in any battery‑operated alarms every 6‑12 months.
Photograph Your Property
Take updated photos and videos of your belongings and the outside of your home or business regularly, at least every 12 months.
Have an Emergency Escape Plan
Make sure you and your family/employees know the best evacuation route(s) for your area. Sign up for local emergency alert text messages if available in your town.
We’re here to help. For more on how you can prepare and what to do during and after a wildfire, visit our Wildfire Safety page at thehartford.com/heretohelp. And as always, if and when you need us, our exceptional claim professionals stand ready to assist.
Human Achievement Through Fire Safety Education
A home fire is reported in the U.S. every 93 seconds2. The Hartford's Junior Fire Marshal program teaches children how to prevent fires and what to do if they face one. These lessons are fun, fast, free and flexible for parents, educators and firefighters. Learn more at Junior Fire Marshal Program | The Hartford.
Remove Outdoor Fire Hazards
Clear brush piles or other combustible vegetation. Trim bushes and remove low‑hanging tree limbs. Contact your utility company if you have limbs on or near power lines.
Test Your Alarms
Test smoke and CO2 alarms every 1‑2 months and change the batteries in any battery‑operated alarms every 6‑12 months.
Photograph Your Property
Take updated photos and videos of your belongings and the outside of your home or business regularly, at least every 12 months.
Have an Emergency Escape Plan
Make sure you and your family/employees know the best evacuation route(s) for your area. Sign up for local emergency alert text messages if available in your town.
We’re here to help. For more on how you can prepare and what to do during and after a wildfire, visit our Wildfire Safety page at thehartford.com/heretohelp. And as always, if and when you need us, our exceptional claim professionals stand ready to assist.
Human Achievement Through Fire Safety Education
A home fire is reported in the U.S. every 93 seconds2. The Hartford's Junior Fire Marshal program teaches children how to prevent fires and what to do if they face one. These lessons are fun, fast, free and flexible for parents, educators and firefighters. Learn more at Junior Fire Marshal Program | The Hartford.
