We love Montana. The mountains, rivers, lakes and forests are part of what makes life here so special. But living in a beautiful wild place also means being prepared for wildfire season.
Whether you rent an apartment or own a home, being prepared for an emergency can help protect what matters most to you. When every minute counts, having a plan in place can make all the difference.
I’m Alex Ramsing, Homeword’s homebuyer educator. In my role, helping people protect the investments they have worked so hard to make is very important to me. Wildfire preparedness is an important part of that, and it's something every Montanan should think about.
1. Track fires early and often
There are several apps and websites that can help you monitor fires near your home or anywhere you plan to travel. Watch Duty is my favorite because it can send notifications about nearby fires.
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It is also smart to sign up for local emergency alerts and keep more than one source of information available, so you are not relying on a single app. Officials often recommend having multiple ways to receive warnings, including your phone and a battery-powered radio.
2. Create defensible space around your home
One of the most important things you can do to protect your home is to create defensible space. Embers can travel well ahead of wildfire and ignite dry materials near or on your house. In Montana, guidance often emphasizes keeping the first 3-5 feet around your home as clean and noncombustible as possible. That means removing dead brush, dry leaves, pine needles, wood piles and anything else that could easily catch fire. Cleaning gutters, trimming overhanging branches and keeping vegetation maintained can also help reduce risk.
My wife and I have some large maple trees looming over our home. Once a year, I get up on the roof and sweep out the valleys. If you have the same issue and you can do so safely,
3. Review your insurance before fire season
Reviewing your insurance coverage before wildfire season can help you understand what is and is not covered. Knowing your coverage in advance can make it easier to navigate potential claims and protect the investment you have made in your home.
4. Pack a go bag or a go bin
Packing a go bag or a go bin can help you leave quickly if you need to evacuate. Having essential items gathered in one place can save time when every minute matters.
5. Include pets in your emergency plan
Including pets in your emergency plan helps ensure they are safe during a wildfire. Thinking ahead about carriers, leashes, food and where they will go can reduce stress during an evacuation.
6. Protect important documents
Protecting important documents, such as identification and financial records, can make recovery easier after a wildfire. Storing them in a safe place and knowing how to access them quickly can help you safeguard what matters most.
Interested in learning more about buying, owning and protecting a home in Montana? Homeword's homeownership classes provide practical information to help you prepare for one of life's biggest investments. We'd love to see you in class. I’d love to see you in class! You can find out more by visiting our website.
