Wildfire Preparedness: Essential Tips to Keep You and Your Home Safe

Wildfire Preparedness: Keeping you and your home safe

Wildfires are a destructive force of nature that can cause immense harm to people, property, animals, and the environment. As the summer months approach, it’s important to prepare for wildfires and take the necessary steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Preparing for wildfire season can seem daunting, but with a little effort and preparation, you can significantly reduce your risk of harm. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

  1. Create Defensible Space: This is the buffer you create between your home and the grass, trees, shrubs or any wildland area that surrounds it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and helps protect your home from catching fire—either from embers, direct flame contact or radiant heat. By creating defensible space, you can reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading to your home. To learn more about the Defensible Space Zones, click here: Click here!

  2. Harden Your Home: Home hardening involves making modifications to your home to reduce it’s susceptibility to wildfire damage. This can include using fire-resistant materials for your roof and siding, installing fire-resistant windows and doors, and creating a non-combustible zone around your home. Cover all vent openings with 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch metal mesh. Clear flammable vegetation and debris away from your house and roof. Install non–combustible shutters over windows. Cover your chimney or stovepipe with a non-flammable screen. Install a sprinkler system to wet down your roof and eaves. Install metal flashing around doors and windows. Install fire–resistant gutters and downspouts. For more information visit: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-ready/hardening-your-home/

  3. Develop an Emergency Plan: In the event of a wildfire, it’s important to have an emergency plan in place. This can include evacuation routes, emergency contact numbers, and a plan for pets or other animals.

  4. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local news and weather reports. Follow the advice of local officials and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. If you are asked to evacuate, please follow the direction of first responders.

  5. Prepare an Emergency Kit: An emergency kit should contain essential items such as food, water, first-aid supplies, and important documents. Make sure your kit is easily accessible in case of an emergency.

  6. Practice Fire Safety: Wildfires can start from a variety of sources, including cigarettes, campfires, and fireworks. Be sure to follow fire safety guidelines and avoid activities that could start a fire.

Preparing for wildfire season can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of harm in the event of a wildfire. Consider joining a Firewise Community and reaching out to your local fire department for help on how to protect your home. 

With a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can face wildfires head-on and emerge stronger and safer than ever before.

Listen in to the latest webinar on Wildfire & Home Fire Safety here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-3x1uhTsQQ