10 Expert Tips to Keep Your Property Safe From Wild Fires By FEMA
Wildfire season is, unfortunately, an annual event for our drier areas around the Pacific Northwest. Hot weather, lack of rain, winds, lightning and increased outdoor human activity all contribute to the various wildfires we battle year-in and year-out.
As a property owner, you may feel powerless in your efforts to protect your home and other structures from the fury of a fire, but there are several key things you can do to lower your risk of being a victim. Keep reading for 10 expert tips on keeping your property safe during wildfire season.
1. Create 30 feet of defensible space around the home or structure
Reduce or remove flammable vegetation, use fewer flammable species, and clear all combustibles from your exterior space. In the defensible space, use noncombustible materials such as gravel, brick, or concrete.
2. Plan for access to water
Purchase and install external sprinkler systems with dedicated power sources or a water tank, if no water source is available. Connect garden hoses long enough to reach any area of the home and fill garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.
3. Fortify your roof
The likelihood your home will survive a wildfire is based largely on how your home is built and what materials are used. Install or replace your roof with a Class A-rated roof with noncombustible coverings.
4. Construct your roof with fire-resistant materials
Install and replace eaves with short overhangs and flat ledges. Wildfires might cause embers to fly and latch on to your roof’s ledges and eaves, resulting in a fire.
5. Regularly clean and remove debris from the roof and gutters
Debris can catch fire from wind-blown embers. Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of something catching on fire on top of your home.
6. Enclose your foundation
Foundations of homes in fire-prone areas should be enclosed. This lowers the chance of wind-blown embers getting underneath your home.
7. Keep embers out
Wind-blown embers can be extremely dangerous during a fire. Cover exterior attic vents and under-eave vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to keep embers out. Install a fire block in the gap between the top of framed walls and the foundation of the house to starve the fire of oxygen and prevent it from spreading.
8. Protect large windows from radiant heat
Install multi-pane windows, tempered safety glass, or fireproof shutters.
9. Install and replace exterior wall coverings
Exterior wall coverings that are noncombustible or fire-resistant and not susceptible to melting are recommended. A minimum fire-resistance rating of one hour for the wall assembly is recommended.
10. Seal gaps around openings in exterior walls and roofs
Utility connections often go through exterior walls of your home. Seal gaps in exterior walls and roofs with fire-resistant caulk, mortar, or fire-protective expanding foam. Fill large gaps with heat-expanding sealant or fire-protective sheets or pillows.
Should you have any questions regarding your current coverage or want further information on these points, Basin Pacific Insurance is here for you. Contact us today at [email protected] and your agent will be in touch shortly.
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