Wildfires are threatening or are active in your area. We know this can be frightening, and we want to help you and your family stay safe. If you're told to evacuate, leave immediately — conditions change fast, and your safety is what matters most. If you feel unsafe at any point, don't wait for an official order. Just go.
Three Things to Do Right Now
1. Make sure you're getting emergency alerts. Sign up for your county's alert system if you haven't already (search "[your county] emergency alerts"). These will tell you when to leave.
2. Know your two ways out. Pick two routes out of your neighborhood in case one is blocked. Drive them this week so they're familiar.
3. Pack a go-bag and keep it by the door.
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Medications and prescriptions
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ID, insurance policy, important papers
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Phone charger and battery pack
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Pet carriers, food, and water
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3 days of clothes
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Irreplaceable photos or mementos
Those three things give you control when everything else feels chaotic.
If You Need to Leave
When you're told to evacuate:
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Grab your go-bag and go
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Wear long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes
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Drive with headlights on
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Don't go back for anything
We know it's hard to leave your home, but a house can be replaced. You can't.
Quick home prep if you have time before leaving:
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Close windows and doors (leave unlocked)
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Move patio furniture and anything flammable away from the house
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Shut off propane tanks
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Connect garden hoses to faucets but don't turn the water on
What to Know About Your Insurance
Wildfire is a covered peril under your Kin policy, so sudden wildfire damage to your home and belongings are usually covered. Many policies also include coverage for additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable and you need to stay elsewhere temporarily. The specific limits, deductibles, and terms that apply to you are listed on your Declaration page. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of your individual policy.
One thing that really helps: take photos or a quick video of your home's exterior and interior right now. If you need to file a claim, having this documentation speeds everything up.
Not sure what you're covered for? Check your Declaration page or call us at 855-216-7674.
Keep our claims contact info in your phone: 866-204-2219 or kin.com/claims
We'll Be Reaching Out
We'll be monitoring the situation and checking on customers in affected areas. After major fire events, we typically send Wellness Check texts to make sure you're okay — and if you have damage to report, you can start your claim right there. You won't have to hunt for us.
When Things Settle Down
Once you and your family are safe, we'd like to help you think about the future. We've put together information on steps you can take to harden your home against wildfires, hurricanes, and floods — things that can make a real difference the next time severe weather threatens.
Visit https://www.kin.com/blog/home-hardening-tips/ when you're ready.
More Information (if you need it)
Understanding evacuation levels in your area: Your area may use "Warnings" and "Orders" or a numbered system (Level 1, 2, 3). Either way, here's what matters: a Warning or Level 1–2 typically means get ready to leave. An Order or Level 3 usually means leave now. Conditions can jump from warning to order in minutes — don't wait. Because warning systems vary by county and state, it's important to learn your local system and understand what each level means before an emergency occurs.
Staying informed: You can use tools like the Watch Duty app (free, run by firefighters) or Genasys Protect (shows your evacuation zone)*. Check local news and your county's emergency management social media regularly during fire season.
After the fire: Don't return home until officials say it's safe. Ash and debris can contain hazardous materials — wear an N95 mask and gloves. Take photos of any damage before cleaning up; you'll need them for your claim.
*Kin is not affiliated with Watch Duty or Genasys Protect and is not responsible for their content or availability.
π¬ Questions? Call us at 855-216-7674
Stay safe, Your Kin Team