Preparing Your Home for Wildfire Season

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

We can never predict what wildfire season will bring us. Call (360) 254-0049 for smoke or fire damage restoration.

Are you prepared if your home is at risk because of a wildfire? With many wildfires surrounding the Pacific Northwest last summer here are some helpful tips to reduce damage and prepare your residence.

Maintain Defensible Space (0–5 feet)

Use noncombustible materials such as gravel, brick, or concrete in this critical area adjacent to your home.

Reduce Siding Risks

Maintain 6-inch ground-to-siding clearance, and consider noncombustible siding.

Clean Debris from Roof

Regularly remove debris from your roof, since debris can be ignited by wind-blown embers.

Use a Class A Roof Covering

Class A fire-rated roofing products offer the best protection for homes.

Clean Out Gutters Regularly

Keep debris out of gutters since debris can be ignited by wind-blown embers. If used, gutter covers should be noncombustible.

Reduce Fence Risks

Burning fencing can generate embers and cause direct flame contact to your home. Use noncombustible fences and gates.

Keep Embers out of Eaves and Vents

Use 1/8-inch mesh to cover vents, and box-in open eaves to create a soffited eave.

Protect Windows

Use multi-pane, tempered glass windows, and close them when a wildfire threatens.

Reduce Deck Risks

At a minimum, use deck boards that comply with California requirements for new construction in wildfire-prone areas, remove combustibles under deck, and maintain effective defensible space.

Maintain Defensible Space (5–30 feet)

Remove shrubs under trees, prune branches that overhang your roof, thin trees, and remove dead vegetation. Move trailers/RVs and storage sheds from area, or build defensible space around these items.

The information found in this article was provided by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.