Base is becoming Essential, and Plus is becoming Enhanced. The standards are not changing—just the names, to make them easier to understand.
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Wildfire Prepared Home: How-To Prepare Checklist

Reduce Wildfire Risk to Your Home or Property 

 

Download the How-To Prepare Checklist

Prepare Your Home for Wildfire 

Download the checklist and use it to walk around your home and property to identify required wildfire mitigation actions and prepare for a Wildfire Prepared Home designation. 

Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the Wildfire Prepared Home program outlines clear, science-based requirements—organized by levels of protection—to help reduce vulnerabilities and lower the likelihood of home ignition. 

Because wildfire can exploit the weakest link, the most effective protection comes from addressing vulnerabilities together—including defensible space, the home and its exterior features, and combustible materials near the structure. 

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Start with the Checklist 

Use this checklist as your home preparation tool before applying for designation. Download it, take it outside, and use it as you walk around your home and property to identify and complete the required wildfire mitigation actions. 

The checklist will help you: 

  • Choose whether Base (Essential) or Plus (Enhanced) is the right starting point  
  • Understand which wildfire mitigation actions are required 
  • Identify work that needs to be completed around your home 
  • Prepare your home and property before applying for designation

 
Download the How-To Prepare Checklist

Wildfire Prepared Home Designation Levels

Wildfire Prepared Home offers two designation levels that reflect increasing levels of wildfire protection.

To Learn More: Wildfire Prepared Home FAQs

Base (Essential) Level

Focuses on protection from wind-blown embers, the leading cause of home ignitions. Most existing homes can be retrofitted to achieve this level.

Plus (Enhanced) Level

Builds on the Base (Essential) level by adding protections against flames and radiant heat. This level is often achieved during new construction or major exterior renovations.

Need the Full Program Requirements? 

The Wildfire Prepared Home Technical Standard provides the complete specifications used for evaluations and inspections. 

It is most commonly used by:  

  • Builders 
  • Contractors 
  • Mitigation professionals 

 

View the Technical Standard

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