Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

RENO, Nev. (Aug. 27, 2026) — As residents begin returning home following evacuations from the Hawk Fire, the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada is sharing steps people can take to protect themselves and their families from hazards that may remain in and around their homes.

Hidden embers, damaged electrical or gas systems, unstable structures and hazardous ash can all pose risks after a wildfire. Residents should return only when local officials say it is safe and should use caution when entering their property and beginning cleanup.

“Returning home can bring a tremendous sense of relief, but getting through the front door is only the beginning,” said Bridget Posson, executive director of the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada. “Take time to look for hazards before entering, protect yourself from ash during cleanup and call a professional when something does not look or feel safe. A damaged home is not the place to take chances.”

Before Going Inside
Residents should first walk around the outside of the property and look for hazards before going inside.

• Wait for officials to say it is safe to return.
• Watch for hot ash, smoldering debris and live embers.
• Stay away from downed power lines and damaged utility poles.
• Be cautious around burned trees, fences, sheds, decks and other damaged structures that may be unstable.
• Watch for ash pits that may contain hot embers below the surface, and keep children and pets away.
• Do not enter a home that appears structurally unstable.
• Use a flashlight instead of candles or other open flames if electricity is unavailable.

If there is smoke, fire, a strong smell of gas, a hissing sound or another immediate danger, leave the property and contact emergency officials or the appropriate utility company.

Check Utilities Carefully
Fire can damage electrical wiring, gas lines, propane systems and plumbing even when damage is not immediately visible. Damaged or questionable utility systems should not be used until they have been inspected by a qualified professional.

Generators, grills, camp stoves and other fuel-burning equipment should never be used inside a home, garage, basement or other enclosed space. Generators should be kept outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents.

Protect Yourself from Wildfire Ash and Poor Air Quality
Wildfire ash can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and lungs. Ash from burned homes and other structures can be especially hazardous because burned building materials, household products, vehicles and other items can leave potentially harmful residues in the ash. Avoid stirring up ash or creating airborne dust while cleaning.

When cleaning ash:

• Wear a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator that fits snugly against the face.
• Wear goggles, work gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots.
• Avoid direct skin contact with ash, and wash ash from the skin, eyes or mouth as soon as possible.
• Do not dry sweep ash or use a leaf blower.
• Lightly mist ash with water before sweeping hard surfaces, then wet mop the area. Use as little water as necessary to control dust.
• Use damp cloths on lightly dusted indoor surfaces.
• Use a HEPA-type vacuum for dusty surfaces. Do not use a standard household or shop vacuum, which can send ash back into the air.
• Bag collected ash or place it in another closed container, and follow local instructions for disposal.
• Do not wash ash into streets or storm drains.
• When local air quality levels have improved, open windows and doors to help air out the residence.
• A portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter can help reduce airborne particles. Replace air filters in homes with central air.

People should also change ash-covered shoes and clothing before entering clean areas or getting into a vehicle to avoid spreading ash.

Keep Children, Pets and Others at Risk Away from Ash
Children should be kept away from wildfire cleanup areas and should not play in or around ash or burned debris. Wildfire ash can irritate the eyes, skin and lungs, and ash from burned structures can contain potentially harmful substances from materials that burned.

Older adults, pregnant women and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease or other health conditions should limit exposure to smoke and ash. When possible, someone who is not at increased risk should handle cleanup.

Keep pets away from ash, burned debris and contaminated areas. If pets come into contact with ash, clean it from their paws and fur before allowing them inside or into a vehicle. Clean ash from children’s toys, outdoor play equipment and other items before they are used again.

Check Food, Water and Medications
Wildfires and power outages can make food, water and some medications unsafe. Follow local public health guidance about drinking and cooking with tap water.

Throw away food exposed to heat, smoke, fumes or chemicals and refrigerated perishable food that was above 40 degrees for more than two hours. When in doubt, throw it out. Contact a pharmacist or healthcare provider about medications that were exposed to excessive heat.

Document Damage Before Making Repairs
Once the property has been determined safe to enter, photograph or record damage to the home, vehicles and personal property before beginning major cleanup or repairs. Contact the insurance company as soon as possible and keep receipts for cleanup, temporary repairs, lodging and other fire-related expenses. Do not discard significantly damaged property until speaking with the insurance company.

Take Care of Emotional Health
Returning home after an evacuation can be stressful, especially for people who find damage or loss when they arrive. Staying connected with family, friends and others in the community, getting adequate rest and asking for help when needed can make recovery more manageable. The Disaster Distress Helpline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

For additional wildfire safety and recovery information, visit redcross.org/wildfire or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in an app store or visiting redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.