Readying your home for wildfires
When wildfire season hits, disaster can occur in a flash. Being prepared beforehand can help save you and your family from experiencing any damage caused by heat, smoke, and flames.
To prevent damages from a wildfire, it’s important to create an emergency plan, clear your property of combustible debris, and secure your home’s ventilation, among other safeguards. Here are some tips on readying your home for wildfires:
Create an emergency plan
Make an emergency evacuation plan and ensure that everyone in your family is aware of what to do in case of an emergency. Draw out the best ways to evacuate your home and establish a safe place for your family to gather outside your property or your neighborhood.
Set up an out-of-town emergency contact so that you can immediately get help if needed. Don’t forget to include your pets in the planning.
Build an emergency kit that includes some essential items you might need in case you’re isolated for a few days, such as food, water, some tools, extra batteries, etc. Make sure that everyone knows where to find this kit. Adults and older children should also be informed about where fire extinguishers are, along with main switches to water, electric, and gas utilities.
Get to know the emergency guidelines for your workplace, school, or community, as well. Subscribe to emergency alerts from your local authorities so that you’re always informed about any dangers.
Clear the landscape
Get some landscaping done to clear your property from fire hazards. Remove all dead plants, leaves, and weeds within ten meters of your home, and mow the grass around your property to be short.
Trim your trees and shrubs to minimize the risk of fire climbing through their branches and leaves. Clean out your gutters, removing debris regularly.
Remove combustible materials
FireSmart Canada suggests that you should create a 1.5 meter-wide non-combustible zone around your home by sweeping down minerals, rocks and concrete around your house. If you have a fence, clear any combustible debris from both sides. If a wildfire alert is already in place, leave your gate open for fast and easy evacuation.
Flammable outdoor items, such as patio furniture and firewood, should be moved indoors. Propane tanks should also be secured at least ten meters away from any structures. If you have propane tanks that can’t be moved, simply remove any combustible materials away from them.
Secure ventilation
Ensure that your home has proper ventilation so you always have access to clean air. Check for any damaged vents and fix them immediately. Install air filters, if necessary, and regularly clean them. Cover any openings for furnaces to prevent smoke from coming into your home.
Get solid home insurance coverage
Sometimes, accidents can cause damage to even the most well-prepared homes. For extra protection, make sure that your home insurance policy has appropriate coverage and understand how to report losses in the event of a wildfire.
