Montana homeowner guide

Main water shutoff and well system

Most Montana homes outside of Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls are on private wells. Know the well head, pressure tank, and pump circuit. When power fails, water fails. Stock 10 days of water jugs before winter.

Heating system and fuel

Montana homes use natural gas (cities), propane (rural areas), and fuel oil (north and eastern areas). Keep propane above 30% and oil above 100 gallons. Montana delivery delays during blizzards can be 48-96+ hours in rural areas.

Radon: test immediately

Montana has very high radon potential: 49 of its 56 counties are in EPA Zone 1, the highest potential (so is Yellowstone National Park). The granitic geology throughout western Montana and the sedimentary uranium deposits in eastern Montana both produce significant radon. Test within 30 days of move-in. Act immediately if above 4 pCi/L.

Wildfire defensible space monitoring

Western Montana's wildfire season extends from June through October. Inspect defensible space monthly during fire season; grasses dry quickly and need re-mowing. Know your evacuation route.

Heating fuel level monitoring

Check weekly November to March. Montana's isolated rural roads can be impassable for days during blizzards. Never let propane drop below 20% or oil below 75 gallons.

Defensible space establishment

Mow grass to 4 inches within 30 feet. Remove dead vegetation, wood piles within 30 feet, and debris from gutters (embers land in gutters). Screen vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh. Identify two evacuation routes from your property.

Red flag condition protocol

Montana issues red flag warnings (low humidity + high wind + dry fuel) frequently in summer. On red flag days: no outdoor burning, park vehicles on pavement, mow only in early morning, and monitor NWS fire weather forecasts. Know your evacuation route and the trigger for leaving.

Smoke and air quality

Western Montana smoke from regional wildfires makes indoor air quality management important. Keep windows closed during smoke events, run HVAC on recirculate, and use HEPA air purifiers if household members have respiratory issues.

Comprehensive freeze prep by October 1

By October 1: heating system serviced, propane tank full, all pipes insulated with foam and heat tape in unheated spaces, backup heat operational, 10-day supply cache assembled. Montana's worst blizzards can arrive in October.

Montana's very high radon risk

Montana has very high radon potential, with 49 of 56 counties in EPA Zone 1. DPHHS (Montana Department of Health and Human Services) recommends testing all Montana homes. Sub-slab depressurization systems are highly effective in Montana's geology.

Class A roofing and ember protection

Replace wood or combustible roofing with Class A fire-resistant materials. Metal roofing is the highest-protection option for Montana mountain homes. Cover all vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh to prevent ember entry.

Self-reliance in Montana blizzards

Montana blizzards close highways and cut off rural communities for days. Stock 10 days of supplies. NorthWestern Energy: 1-888-467-2669. Montana-Dakota Utilities: 1-800-638-3278. Generator outside only, clear of snow, 20+ feet from windows.

Go-bag and immediate evacuation capability

Pre-pack a go-bag with 72-hour supplies, medications, documents, and pet supplies. Know two evacuation routes. Leave when ordered; Montana wildfires can cut off roads within minutes in high-wind conditions.

Leave on evacuation order, no exceptions

When ordered to evacuate, leave immediately. Montana wildfires spread faster than vehicles can outrun in high-wind conditions once roads are cut off. Take go-bag, medications, pets, and phone. Use your pre-planned route.

Shut off well pump and main shutoff

Well pump circuit off at the breaker. Main house shutoff closed. All faucets open. Montana rural plumber wait times after cold events: 48-96+ hours. Know the shutoff before winter begins.

Spring snowmelt flooding

Do not enter flooded spaces if electrical equipment is submerged. Call NorthWestern Energy (1-888-467-2669) or MDU (1-800-638-3278) to disconnect at the meter. Pump out, dry immediately.

Extended Montana outages: life safety in extreme cold

Without heat at -40°F, a Montana home becomes dangerous in 2-4 hours. Backup heat is mandatory. NorthWestern Energy: 1-888-467-2669. Montana-Dakota Utilities: 1-800-638-3278. Generator outside only, 20+ feet from windows, clear of snow.

Propane and natural gas response

Rotten egg or skunk smell: everyone out immediately. In extreme cold: go to a vehicle or neighbor's home. Call 911 from outside. NorthWestern Energy Gas: 1-888-467-2669. MDU Gas: 1-800-638-3278. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, winter survival gear accessible, never re-enter

Fire escape in Montana winter means exiting into potentially -40°F temperatures. Keep emergency winter gear (coat, boots, gloves, hat) at every bedroom exit point. Two exits from every room. Outdoor meeting place. Crawl under smoke. Call 911. Never re-enter. Montana rural EMS response: 20-60 minutes.