Monthly Archives: September 2023

Make your Home Safer

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Preparing your home for wildfires is essential to reduce the risk of damage and keep you and your family safe during a wildfire event. Here are steps you can take to make your home safer:

Create Defensible Space:

Clear away dead vegetation, leaves, and other flammable materials from your yard, creating a buffer zone around your home.
Trim trees and shrubs to create at least a 30-foot defensible space around your home. This helps slow the spread of the fire and reduces the chances of it reaching your property.
Roof and Eaves:

Use fire-resistant roofing materials like asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or tile. Avoid wood shakes or shingles.
Keep gutters and roofs free of leaves, pine needles, and debris that can easily ignite.
Siding and Exterior Walls:

Use fire-resistant siding materials such as stucco, brick, or cement fiberboard.
Avoid wood or vinyl siding, which can be highly flammable.
Vents and Eaves:

Install ember-resistant vent covers to prevent embers from entering your attic or crawl spaces.
Seal gaps between eaves and roofs to prevent embers from getting inside your home.
Windows and Doors:

Install dual-paned or tempered glass windows, which are less likely to shatter in intense heat.
Use fire-resistant exterior doors with a tight seal.
Decks and Patios:

Build decks and patios with fire-resistant materials, or consider fire-resistant coatings.
Remove flammable vegetation and materials from around these areas.
Chimneys and Spark Arresters:

Install spark arresters on chimneys to prevent embers from escaping.
Keep chimneys and stovepipes clean and in good repair.
Water Sources:

Maintain a well-functioning hose and water supply that can reach all areas of your property.
Consider installing a rooftop sprinkler system that can wet your home and surrounding areas during a wildfire.
Storage and Outbuildings:

Store firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials away from your home and in a fire-resistant storage shed.
Keep outbuildings and sheds clear of debris and vegetation.
Emergency Supplies:

Create an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, and important documents.
Make sure all family members know the location of this kit and have a designated meeting place.
Evacuation Plan:

Develop and practice a family evacuation plan. Know multiple evacuation routes and have a designated meeting point outside your neighborhood.
Stay informed about local fire conditions and evacuation orders.
Insurance and Documentation:

Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure it covers wildfire damage.
Keep important documents, such as insurance policies, birth certificates, and passports, in a fireproof safe or a safe deposit box.
Community Efforts:

Participate in community fire prevention programs, such as Firewise USA, to collectively reduce wildfire risks in your neighborhood.
Stay Informed:

Monitor local fire and weather conditions, and follow any evacuation orders or recommendations from authorities.
Remember that no preparation can guarantee complete protection from a wildfire, but taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk to your home and increase your chances of staying safe during a wildfire event. Always prioritize safety and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
FirewiseHowToPrepareYourHomeForWildfires