Staying safe during a wildfire
We're here to help protect you before, during and after a natural disaster.
Here's a quick view of what to do before a natural disaster hits.
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Step 1 of 4 Create an evacuation plan.
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Step 2 of 4 Grab your survival kit.
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Step 3 of 4 Gather important documents.
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Step 4 of 4 Photograph your property.
Wildfire evacuation: We're here to help.
When you're looking for a place to stay, we may be able to help you save on hotels during an evacuation.
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Know how to evacuate your pet.
When you're making your evacuation plan, include your pets or livestock. Make sure your pets have the supplies they need like food and medication. Evacuating livestock may be a larger task, so it's important to establish and practice a plan. Use these checklists to help you prepare to get everyone out safely, including your animals:
Be ready to react.
Designate a safe room or go to a community building where smoke levels are lower. The designated safe room should be closed off from outside air. Include a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low. Be prepared to place wet towels under door and window openings.
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Know what to do outside.
If there is a safe building nearby, get inside immediately. If not, go to an area clear of vegetation. Don't go outside until the fire has passed and the outside temperature has dropped. If you are in a vehicle and can't get to a safe building, turn on headlights and hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible in heavy smoke. Turn off air conditioner and close all vents.
Know what to do inside.
Turn off air-conditioning and air-circulation systems. Move furniture away from windows and sliding glass doors. Turn on lights in each room for visibility in case of smoke. Close all doors and windows, but don't lock them. Remove flammable curtains, close all metal blinds and nonflammable window coverings.
Here's a quick view of the claim process.
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Step 1 of 4 Tell us what happened.
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Step 2 of 4 Inspect damages and review your estimate.
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Step 3 of 4 If coverage applies we pay for damages, minus the deductible.
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Step 4 of 4 Repair or replace your property or vehicle.
Take steps to protect your personal safety.
Listen to authorities and local news for updates to find out when it's safe to return home and if water is safe to drink.
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Know your rights and protect your finances.
Signing over your insurance benefits to a contractor or other vendor may seem convenient at the moment. But assigning benefits may forfeit your rights under the policy to that third party and you may lose control of your claim.
Inspect your property and assess the damage.
If property damage is found, file a claim for property. Take photos of any damage before you remove debris or make temporary repairs. If you need to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, save the receipts for reimbursement consideration. Avoid making permanent repairs until your claims adjuster has assessed damage.
File a claim if your vehicle is damaged by a natural disaster
Take photos of any damage before you remove debris or make temporary repairs. If there's only damage to your auto glass, file an auto glass claim. If there's damage to more than just your auto glass, file an auto claim. If you need to make temporary repairs to make it safe to drive, save the receipts for reimbursement consideration.
Check Out How You Can Prepare for Wildfire
Mobile Response Locations
We are no longer stationed with our temporary disaster sites at this time, but we're still here to help in your time of need. You can file and track a claim, real-time online, by selecting the "Claim" button on this page, speak with one of our qualified claims experts or for quick access to manage your USAA accounts all in one place, take a minute to download our USAA Mobile App.