Wildfire Prepared Home™ is a voluntary, research-based mitigation and designation program developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). It gives homeowners a proven, systematic path to reduce their home's wildfire risk and demonstrate that work to insurers, lenders, and communities.
The program takes a systems-based approach. To receive a designation, homeowners must complete all required mitigation actions in the standard — not just some of them. The requirements go beyond guidance from most local jurisdictions and reflect the latest IBHS wildfire research. Many insurers recognize the designation and offer premium discounts to designated properties.
Wildfire Prepared Home is currently available in AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, MT, NV, NM, OK, OR, TX, UT, WA, and WY.
Two Designation Levels
The program offers two levels to reflect different starting points and degrees of protection.
Base is typically the right starting point for existing homes. It focuses on reducing ember-driven ignition risks, which are the leading cause of home ignitions during wildfires.
Plus builds on Base, adding protection against direct flame contact and radiant heat. It is recommended for new construction or major renovations.
Not sure where to start? Compare Base vs. Plus.
What the Program Requires
The standard addresses three vulnerable areas of a home: the roof, specific building features such as vents and openings, and defensible space. A 0 to 5-foot noncombustible buffer around the home and any decks is mandatory. All vegetation, wood mulch, wood or vinyl fencing, and stored items within that zone must be removed.
Requirements are strict, with no exceptions. Protected trees may disqualify some homes, and some homeowners may need to coordinate with neighbors to meet the setback requirement.
How to Get Designated
- Complete the DIY mitigation work using the How-To Prepare My Home Checklist. This step can take weeks to months, depending on the scope of work needed.
- Pay a nonrefundable application fee and submit eligibility photos to IBHS for review.
- IBHS reviews the photos and confirms the required work is complete.
- A third-party, in-person evaluator visits the home to document completed work.
- IBHS conducts a final quality review and issues a designation certificate if all requirements are met. If additional work is needed, homeowners have 90 days to complete it and resubmit.
Maintaining Your Designation
Once designated, homeowners must complete an annual maintenance review to confirm the noncombustible buffer and vegetation management requirements are being maintained. Two options are available: a self-inspection with photos for $25, or a third-party exterior inspection for $100. Full recertification is required every three years.
Insurance Discounts
Several major insurers offer discounts for designated properties, including State Farm, Mercury Insurance, CSAA, USAA, Allstate, and Farmers. Discounts vary by carrier and location. Contact your insurance agent or visit wildfireprepared.org/incentives for current information on available incentives in your state.
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