Wildfire preparedness isn’t just for homeowners. Renters can take simple, practical steps to stay safer before the next wildfire.
Wildfire risk is not just a homeowner issue. Renters face the same hazards and often have less control over the property. The good news: there are still meaningful steps you can take to reduce risk and be ready to act
Start With What You Control
Most homes ignite from wind-blown embers, not the main fire. That makes the immediate area around your unit critical.
Focus on the first 5 feet around your unit:
- Clear leaves, pine needles, and debris from patios, balconies, and entryways
- Move propane tanks, firewood, and combustible furniture away from walls
- Avoid grills or open flames on high-risk days
- Keep door mats and outdoor furniture cushions non-combustible
If you share outdoor space, ask your landlord or property manager who maintains vegetation.
Remove Juniper: A Rebate for Multi-Family Communities
Some risks are outside your direct control, but you can still influence them.
Juniper shrubs are highly flammable due to their oils and dense, dry structure. Their removal is one of the most effective mitigation steps in multi-family communities.
Wildfire Partners offers a rebate program for Boulder County multi-family properties:
- Up to $500 per unit for juniper removal in common areas
- Applies to apartments, condos, and townhomes
- Includes an on-site assessment and contractor guidance
If your property has juniper, share this program with your HOA or landlord.
Junipers are one of the most flammable plants commonly found around homes and communities. If you rent, encourage your HOA or property manager to take advantage of Wildfire Partners’ rebate program to remove them.
Single-Family Home Rentals: Encourage Your Landlord
If you live in a single-family home, consider starting a conversation with your landlord about wildfire risk. Encourage your landlord to sign up for a free Wildfire Partners home assessment if the home is in our eligibility area. Our certified mitigation specialists will evaluate the property, identify improvements, and walk through next steps together.
Completed mitigation could protect the property’s value and may help maintain insurance coverage – benefits that matter to any landlord.
Sign Up for BOCO Alert
Before anything else, make sure you’ll hear about an emergency when it happens. Boulder County’s emergency alert system, BOCO Alert, sends notifications directly to your phone, email, or landline when there’s an evacuation warning or order in your area.
Sign up or update your contact information at BOCOALERT. You can add multiple addresses, so you’ll receive alerts for your home, your workplace, or anywhere else that matters to you. You can also view all active alerts and area maps at any time at BOCO911ALERT.
For alerts in languages other than English, download the ReachWell app and add “BOCO Alert”.
Make an Evacuation Plan
Evacuations happen quickly. Plan in advance so you are not improvising under stress. Boulder County’s Office of Disaster Management recommends:
- Know at least two routes out of your neighborhood
- Have two types of transportation available in case one isn’t an option
- Identify where you would stay or meet up with loved ones
- Make a plan for pets
- When an evacuation order is issued, leave immediately. Delays put both you and first responders at risk.
Build Your Go-Bag and Grab List
Pair your evacuation plan with a go-bag you can grab on the way out the door. ODM recommends building a grab list of essential and irreplaceable items in advance. Key items include:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food
- Essential medications, first aid kit, and medical devices
- IDs, important documents, and your lease
- Phone, charger, flashlight, and backup batteries
- Extra clothing, cash, and pet supplies
Tip: Take photos or video of your belongings and store them in the cloud. This speeds up insurance claims if you experience loss.
Boulder County ODM offers free preparedness workshops throughout the year. Register at Boulder ODM Events Workspace
Get Renters Insurance
Your landlord’s policy does not cover your belongings or temporary housing.
Renters insurance typically covers personal property (including smoke damage) and additional living expenses if you are displaced. Policies are relatively inexpensive and can make a major difference after a fire.
More Resources
Boulder County ODM has a full preparedness resource library, including videos, podcasts, and materials in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, and Nepali at boulderodm.gov/preparedness/resource-library.
For home mitigation help and the juniper rebate program, visit wildfirepartners.org. We’re here to help every member of our community — renter or owner — build resilience before the next wildfire.
Comments are closed.