What to know before returning home after an evacuation

Before Arriving / On the Way 

• Confirm fire officials have declared your property safe to enter. 

• Drive cautiously! Look for weakened or fallen trees, loose debris, damaged poles, rocks, and blocked roads/driveways. 

• Keep an emergency alert device or radio on for weather and evacuation updates. 

• Review evacuation plan and be prepared to leave again, quickly if needed. 

Outside Property / Perimeter Inspection 

• Carefully inspect trees and poles; avoid areas with deep charring, leaning, or instability. 

• Look for smoldering embers on roof, gutters, downspouts, decks, crawl spaces, overhangs, wood piles, and debris piles. 

• Walk driveway and entry path. Push debris to the side for temporary access. 

• Stay away from any exposed utility hazards (damaged poles, wires, gas equipment). Report anything found immediately. 

• Be alert to erosion or flood risk from burned slopes upstream. 

Before Entering a Building 

• Use a flashlight to inspect exterior first. Check roof, eaves, vents, basement/crawl space. 

• Smell for gas around meters, tanks, and lines. If detected, leave immediately and call utility. 

• Look for downed power lines. Avoid the area and contact utility. 

• Ensure entry path and structure appear stable before going inside. 

Electricity and Gas:  

• Stay well away from damaged or downed power lines. Never assume a power line has been de-energized. Report downed lines by calling 911 and NV Energy at (775) 834-4100.  

• Look for damaged utility poles, electrical equipment, gas meters, propane tanks, and gas lines.  

• If you smell natural gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the area immediately. Do not use lights, switches, appliances, phones, or anything that could create a spark. Once you are a safe distance away, call 911 and NV Energy at (775) 834-4100.  

• If the power is out, use a flashlight instead of matches, candles, or other open flames.  

• Check refrigerated and frozen food and discard any items that may have spoiled.  

• Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly.  

• Reconnect any essential equipment or devices that were unplugged before evacuation, if it is safe to do so.  

• Check all burners, appliances, and gas-powered equipment to ensure they are turned off.  

• When power is restored, inspect appliances and electronics for signs of damage before reconnecting them. If equipment appears damaged or is not operating normally, leave it unplugged and have it evaluated by a qualified technician. 

• Take your time. Assess your surroundings carefully. Stay clear of damaged utilities. Follow instructions from emergency officials and utility providers. 

Septic Systems 

• Inspect your septic system, including pump chambers and alarms, for damage. If your system requires electricity, confirm all electrical components are functioning.  

Private Wells 

• Inspect the well head, cap, seal, pressure/storage tanks and other components.  

• If the well head and seal are intact, consider disinfecting the well head, seal and cap with a 10% household bleach solution, then flush the system until there is no bleach odor in the water. Make sure to not run chlorinated water into your septic system. 

Entering & Interior Inspection 

• Enter with caution; check for sagging ceilings, cracked walls, warped floors, leaks, or water damage. 

• Check attic, crawl space, vents, and hidden areas for ash or embers. 

• Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, security systems, and emergency lighting. 

• Discard any food exposed to heat, smoke, soot, or spoiled by power outage. 

• Open windows and doors to ventilate smoke and odor if safe to do so. 

• Document damage with clear photos for insurance purposes. 

Cleanup & Intermediate Steps 

• Begin debris removal only after local authorization and proper procedures. 

• Clear flammable materials and create defensible space around home. 

• Clean gutters, downspouts, and drains of ash, soot, and debris. 

• Monitor slopes, hillsides, and drainage areas for erosion or debris-flow risks. 

• Re-inspect daily, especially after wind or rain, for smoldering or new hazards. 

Ongoing Safety & Follow-up 

• Arrange professional inspections for structural, electrical, and mechanical systems. 

• File insurance claims and retain receipts for repairs and cleanup. 

• Update wildfire evacuation and emergency plans. 

• Remain vigilant for flash-flooding, falling trees, and delayed damage risks. 

• Follow local recovery guidance and stay connected to emergency alerts and community resources. 

Source: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning-home