Image

Serving Central Oregon

Image

Phone

(541) 241-6157

Red Flag Warning Checklist — SafeHaven Fire Defense
🚩 Red Flag Warning Checklist

Is Your Home Ready Right Now?

Complete these actions every time a Red Flag Warning is issued — approximately 20 times per year. Takes about 15 minutes. Everything here is free or near-free.

⏱️ ~15 minutes  ·  ~20 times per year  ·  Free to complete
0%
0 of 0 complete Not started
← Defensible Space Checklist

You're Red Flag Ready!

All actions complete. Your home is as prepared as it can be for today's high-risk conditions. Stay alert, know your evacuation level, and be ready to leave early if conditions change.

Check back each time a new Red Flag Warning is issued.

🏠

Zone 0 & Roof

Clear debris from the most critical ignition areas
0/3
Clear all vegetative debris from the 0–5 ft zone
Pine needles and leaves in Zone 0 are the #1 cause of ember ignition. Clear the perimeter around your home and deck.
Critical Free
Clear all leaves and pine needles from roof and gutters
Roof debris is a primary ember landing and ignition surface. Even metal gutters filled with needles can ignite.
Critical Free
Remove potted plants from deck/porch — or move them 30+ ft away
Terra cotta pots with dry combustible soil and plants can ignite from a single ember on a Red Flag day.
Critical Free
🪵

Deck & Porch Items

Move combustibles indoors or 30+ ft away
0/5
Move door mats, chair cushions, and hanging lamps indoors
Small combustible items on the porch can ignite from embers and carry fire directly to your siding or door frame.
Critical Free
Store BBQ grill and propane tank 30+ ft from home
Propane tanks within 10 ft of the home are a critical hazard on high-risk days. Move BBQ and all propane cylinders away from the structure.
Critical Free
Remove drapes, shade screens, and artificial turf from deck
Fabric and synthetic materials on decks catch embers easily. Remove all retractable screens, outdoor curtains, and artificial turf panels.
Critical Free
Store pet beds, decorations, and outdoor rugs indoors
Any combustible item within 5–30 ft that can be easily moved should be brought inside or relocated on Red Flag days.
Quick Free
Move trash/recycle bins and kids' toys 30+ ft from home
Plastic bins and toys melt quickly and become burning debris. Move them to the street or far side of the driveway.
Quick Free
🚗

Vehicles & Large Items

Clear large combustibles from around your home
0/4
Park vehicles in the garage and close the garage door
Vehicles within 5 ft of your home are a significant hazard. Closing the garage door also blocks embers from entering — a critical ember intrusion point.
Critical Free
Move motorcycles, trailers, boats, campers, and RVs at least 30 ft from home
Any vehicle or trailer stored near the structure can act as a large fuel source. Move them to the street, driveway apron, or far side of the property.
High Free
Relocate firewood if within 30 ft of any structure
Firewood stacked near the home or outbuildings must be moved on Red Flag days. Move it to at least 30 ft away or cover — but do not use fire-retardant tarps, which are not permitted per IBHS.
Critical Free
Move small propane cylinders/tanks within 10 ft of home to 30+ ft
Small spare propane tanks, camp stoves, and fuel canisters stored near the structure should be relocated on high-risk days.
High Free
🛟

Emergency Readiness

Know your level — be ready to leave early
0/4
Check your Deschutes County evacuation level — know if you're at Level 1, 2, or 3
Level 1 = Ready (Be aware) · Level 2 = Set (Be prepared to leave) · Level 3 = Go (Leave immediately). Check at deschutes.org/emergency or call 541-693-6911.
Critical Free
Confirm your go-bag is packed and accessible — 72-hour supplies for all family members and pets
Medications, documents, phone chargers, food, water, clothing, and pet supplies. If you leave, do not go back for belongings once an evacuation is ordered.
Critical Free
Confirm all household members and pets know the evacuation plan and meeting point
Designate a meeting location outside the hazard zone. Make sure everyone — including kids and pet caregivers — knows two exit routes from your neighborhood.
Critical Free
Close all windows, doors, and vents if you leave — turn off HVAC
Closing up the house before leaving slows ember intrusion significantly. Turn off HVAC systems so the home doesn't draw smoke and embers through the ventilation system.
High Free

Want to make every Red Flag day less stressful?

Permanent home hardening reduces the list of things you need to do in an emergency. SafeHaven provides professional wildfire mitigation assessments and complete contracting services throughout Central Oregon.

📅 Schedule an Assessment
View the full Defensible Space Checklist →

SafeHaven Fire Defense LLC  |  CCB #259806  |  Bend, Oregon  |  (541) 241-6157  ·  safehavenfire.com

This checklist is an educational resource and does not constitute legal, engineering, or code compliance advice. Always follow current Deschutes County Emergency Management guidance and official evacuation orders. © 2025 SafeHaven Fire Defense LLC. All rights reserved.

Serving Bend, Sisters, Sunriver, Tumalo, Redmond & La Pine

Links

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Address

© 2026 SafeHaven Fire. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy