Domain & Site Verification Master Checklist - LawtonChilesRedCrossClub/website GitHub Wiki

βœ… Domain & Site Verification Master Checklist

This page ensures that after setup, renewal, or changes to DNS, the website is correctly configured with DNS, HTTPS, and DNSSEC enabled.

Domain: lchsredcross.org
Custom Domain: www.lchsredcross.org

Step 1 β€” Verify DNS Records

  • In Cloudflare β†’ DNS:

    • CNAME: www β†’ lawtonchilesredcrossclub.github.io
    • A records (root):
      β€’ @ β†’ 185.199.108.153
      β€’ @ β†’ 185.199.109.153
      β€’ @ β†’ 185.199.110.153
      β€’ @ β†’ 185.199.111.153

  • Use DNS Checker to confirm:

    • www.lchsredcross.org β†’ CNAME β†’ lawtonchilesredcrossclub.github.io
    • lchsredcross.org β†’ resolves to GitHub IPs above

πŸ“– If propagation is slow or results are inconsistent, read the 🌍 DNS Propagation Guide to understand why and what to do.

Step 2 β€” Verify HTTPS & GitHub Pages

  • GitHub Repo β†’ Settings β†’ Pages β†’ Custom Domain = www.lchsredcross.org
  • "Enforce HTTPS" is checked in GitHub Pages settings
  • Visit https://www.lchsredcross.org β†’ page loads with lock icon (πŸ”’)
  • Visit https://lchsredcross.org β†’ redirects to https://www.lchsredcross.org

Step 3 β€” Verify DNSSEC

  • In Cloudflare β†’ DNS β†’ DNSSEC shows "Enabled"
  • In Porkbun β†’ Domain Management β†’ DNSSEC β†’ DS record saved
  • Run test at DNSViz β†’ enter lchsredcross.org
    • Confirm chain of trust is valid (green)

Step 4 β€” Device Testing

  • Test site on desktop browser (Chrome/Firefox/Edge)
  • Test site on mobile browser (Safari/Chrome)
  • Verify navigation links and images load correctly

Step 5 β€” Documentation

  • Update Domain Renewal Reminder Wiki page with:
    • Date DNSSEC verified
    • Date HTTPS verified
    • Notes on any changes made
  • Save screenshots or notes for future Web Team reference

πŸš‘ GitHub Pages Custom Domain Troubleshooting

If GitHub shows β€œDNS Check in Progress” or HTTPS unavailable for more than 24 hours:

  1. Check Cloudflare DNS

    • Ensure CNAME www β†’ lawtonchilesredcrossclub.github.io exists.
    • Ensure root (@) A records β†’ 185.199.108.153 / 109 / 110 / 111.
    • All records should be orange cloud (proxied).

  2. Check Cloudflare SSL/TLS Settings

    • SSL/TLS encryption mode = Full.
    • Enable Always Use HTTPS.
    • Enable Automatic HTTPS Rewrites.

  3. Reset GitHub Custom Domain

    • Repo β†’ Settings β†’ Pages β†’ Remove custom domain.
    • Re-add www.lchsredcross.org.
    • Save β†’ GitHub re-triggers DNS check.

  4. Wait for Certificate

    • GitHub may take up to 24 hours to issue HTTPS certificate.
    • Once available, check Enforce HTTPS in GitHub Pages.

  5. Still failing?

πŸ”’ Final HTTPS Setup (Cloudflare + GitHub)

Before finishing verification, check both Cloudflare and GitHub settings:

In Cloudflare

  • SSL/TLS β†’ Encryption mode = Full
  • Always Use HTTPS = ON
  • Automatic HTTPS Rewrites = ON

In GitHub Pages

  • Repo β†’ Settings β†’ Pages β†’ Custom Domain = www.lchsredcross.org
  • Enforce HTTPS = checked
  • Visit https://www.lchsredcross.org and confirm green lock (πŸ”’)

βœ… With both sides configured, your site is fully HTTPS-secured.

βœ… Once all steps pass, your site will be live, secure, and using HTTPS.