Wildfire season is a reality that many homeowners need to prepare for. It can be intimidating to think about the risks, but being prepared is still important and invaluable for your peace of mind and safety. Here are some tips to help homeowners like yourself get ready for wildfire season.
Create a Defensible Space Around Your Home
A defensible space is an area surrounding your home that is designed to slow or ward off spreading flames. To create one, you must remove as much flammable material as possible near your home. This includes yard and gutter debris. Also, keep trees trimmed and ensure that the branches are at least 10 feet away from your roof. The purpose is simple: the fewer things there are to catch fire near your home, the better.
Upgrade Your Home’s Fire Resistance
Certain materials can make your home more fire-resistant. For example, metal or tile are the safest roofing options. Likewise, if you’re planning home improvements, use materials that don’t easily ignite for siding, windows, and decks. Even something as simple as installing fine mesh screens over attic vents can prevent embers from entering your home. If you use materials that aren’t naturally fire-resistant, you can always treat them with a flame-retardant coating.
Assemble an Emergency Kit
If a fire starts encroaching on your home, you need to flee, and you won’t have time to grab all your belongings. Make sure what you do grab contains everything you need to survive.
Assemble an emergency kit with water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. It should also include important documents and medications. Keep this kit in an easily accessible location so you can grab it quickly if you need to evacuate.
Have an Evacuation and Recovery Plan
Finally, have a solid evacuation plan. Know multiple escape routes from your neighborhood in case one is blocked. Pack your car with your emergency kit and any valuables you can’t leave behind. Communicate the plan clearly with your family so that everyone knows what to do in case of a wildfire.
You should also know how to recover after the fire has passed over your area and it’s safe to return. Mainly, you should set up a good insurance policy. You might consider loss of use coverage, which pays for your living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable because of fire damage. You should also have an idea of where you can stay if you can’t return home. This is the worst-case scenario, but it is always better to be prepared than surprised.
Homeowners don’t like to think about the perils of wildfire season, but it’s essential to get ready with these practical tips to preserve safety and peace of mind. Prepare your home, your belongings, and your mindset, and you’ll do your part to protect yourself and your family this year.
