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How to Safeguard Your House Property from Wildfires

Posted On Wednesday, 13 July 2022 21:14

In certain parts of the United States, the risk of wildfire is present for a good portion of the year. Thanks to things like low annual rainfall, the forests are left with dry wood that is combustible and can spread fire rapidly. A small fire that started from something as seemingly innocuous as a cigarette butt that was not fully extinguished can quickly multiply in size. The trees are not the only thing in danger. People are at risk of having their homes destroyed.

While wildfire coverage for homeowners substantially reduces your burden, you should not ignore some preventive measures that can safeguard your home from the ravages of a wildfire.

1. Check Your Roof, Deck, and Yard

Leaves and sticks can collect on top of your house roof and terrace areas and can turn your home into a firetrap. These catch fire very easily. Get rid of them. It might be a good idea to have your roof and deck made of fireproof material, but that might be too late unless you are having your home renovated. Clear your yard of all dead leaves and twigs too. Keep your grass well-mowed.

2. Know Your Risk

Take a good look at the area around you. Is your home surrounded by a lot of trees? Is it surrounded by a lot of dry things? What is the weather condition? Consider all these factors, and then assess the risk of fire around your place. While you might not think it will happen to you, you don't want to be caught flat-footed.

3. Monitor Your Eaves and Vents

There is a risk of embers coming into your home through your eaves and vents in case of a raging fire. Cover the eaves and also seal the vents. If possible, seal any pet doors and keep them closed during fire season.

Those aren't the only areas, though. Get double-paned glass windows so that the heat won't break them and cause embers to get through. Also, put screens around your window.

4. Make Defensible Space Around Your House

This means that you want to have a certain radius around your home that will be clear of flammable materials. Make it around 100 feet, since the heat from a fire can affect your home from that distance. Yes, the heat gets that strong. Some people think that five feet are enough. No. That leaves your home in really big danger of being consumed by fire.

Here are a few other things to take care of. Irrigate the grounds around your home. Keep flammable materials away from your deck. Plant trees and shrubs in clusters and frequently clean any dead branches and plants. Keep at least 10 feet distance between tree crowns, and if there are low-hanging tree branches, prune them. You can also undertake elaborate landscaping for safeguarding your property from wildfire.

5. Create a Plan For Emergency Responder Access

You want to have a plan for firefighters or other emergency workers to be able to get into your home in the event of a fire. Ensure that you have clear street names and numbers around your home. Clear out space on your driveway for the rescue team to get through. That previously mentioned defensible space will also give the firefighters ample space to do their job. 

The thought of a wildfire can be very scary. But you need to be prepared for the reality. Ignoring safety measures can prove to be disastrous. Follow these simple suggestions and you can have a better chance of securing yourself and your property from a wildfire.

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