Fire safety is no joke, especially when it comes to wildfires. The name alone suggests the exact nature of these fires, so you need to prepare yourself and your home for any sort of scenario. There is no rhyme or reason to wildfires, and they do not discriminate. If it’s flammable, the wildfire will catch on to it. To minimize the damage, use these four ways to protect your home from wildfires.
Fortify the Roof
Your home has a good chance of surviving a wildfire if you take the necessary steps to protect the exterior. Your first line of defense should be the roof. Check to see that the materials of your roof can withstand a fire. If they can’t, replace the current materials with Class A-rated noncombustible coverings.
A few examples of nonflammable materials include asphalt shingles, metal, slate, or tile. There are ways to make your wooden roof flame retardant, but there is no guarantee this strategy will protect your home. It’s best to go with any of the previous materials mentioned.
Furthermore, clean your roof as often as possible. Any debris or pine needles that collect in the gutters can easily catch fire.
Keep Embers Out
Speaking of debris, you need to ensure that you keep embers away from your home. Embers and fire go hand in hand, and when you allow one, you invite the other. The inside of your home has furniture and materials that can easily catch fire.
If embers make their way inside, you’ll have a big disaster on your hands. You can easily avoid this problem by installing flame- and ember-resistant vents in your home. Doing so lessens the possibility of the fire escalating inside your house.
Embers can also penetrate through roof openings, so seal up any cracks and replace any missing shingles or tiles.
Create a Defensible Space
Observe the area surrounding your home. Look to see what could become a potential problem for you and find a way to prevent it. If you have firewood or propane tanks near your home, place them 30 feet away. The distance creates a defensible barrier that stops the fire from spreading to your house.
If you have a garden, you’ll need to fully inspect this section too. Organic fertilizers and mulch products can easily catch fire. Consider replacing the mulch with rocks and gravel instead. There is not much you can do about organic fertilizer, but you can regularly water your plants and keep them a safe distance from your home.
Take care of any other wooden features attached to your home. Consider replacing your wooden fence with a metal one for extra security.
Prepare for Water Access
Water is your best friend when it comes to fire. In case the forecast is not on your side and the chances of rain are slim, you want to have as much water access as possible.
Install sprinklers with a water tank. Place them strategically around your property and try to encompass the entirety of your land. Purchase a hose long enough to reach any section of your home. You’ll want to thoroughly spray down your home and fill any large containers you can find with water. Remember, the best defense is good offense.
You can protect and keep your home safe from wildfires and minimize the damages you might endure if they break out. Just follow these steps and always have an evacuation plan in place.
