Although wildfire damage can be impossible to measure, the danger is not over after the flames are put out. Flash flooding and debris flows, structural damage, road instability, and damaged trees are just a few of the dangers that exist after a wildfire. Keep these tips in mind:

• Stay away from your home or business until fire officials tell you it is safe to return.
• Flash floods are a very real threat after a wildfire, especially with upstream rainfall on a burned area. Stay away from burned forests, storm channels, and natural drainages.
• Be sure to pay attention to the news and local authorities.
• Have an evacuation plan in place and make sure all family members are familiar with it.
• Be aware of and use extreme caution around trees, power poles, and other tall objects or structures that may have lost stability during the fire.
• Keep a “fire watch.” That means look for smoke or sparks throughout the house and on rooftops (e.g., in gutters), etc. Look for ash pits or hidden embers. Stay away – they can burn you.
• Before inspecting your home, first check for the smell of gas. Turn off power until you’ve completed your inspection. Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect a damaged home. (Note: the flashlight should be turned on outside before entering. The battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.)
• Water supply systems and infranstrucutre can be damaged and polluted after wildfires. Wait until officials confirm that the faucet is safe to use.
• If your well has been damaged by fire, contact a local licensed and bonded well constructor or pump installer to determine the extent of the damage and what must be done to either repair or decommission the well.
• Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, flood waters, or soot.
• Utilities: If there is no power, check to make sure the main breaker is on. If the breakers are on and power is still not present, contact the utility company.
• Leave valves closed for gas lines until the supplier inspects your system. If you have a heating oil tank system, contact a heating oil supplier for an inspection of your system before you use it.
• If you have a solar electrical system, this system should be inspected by a licensed technician to verify that the solar panels and electrical wiring are safe for continued operation.