Things You Can Do To Protect Your Home From Wildfires
Wildland fires seem so insurmountably large and powerful that the average person may think there’s nothing they can do to protect their homes against them. However, there are practical ways you can keep yourself and your family safe. Read these things you can do to protect your home from wildfires so that you won’t be a victim of this destructive menace.
Fireproof Your Roof
One of the best things you can do to protect your home from wildfires is to ensure your roof has non-flammable materials. Shingles often comprise roofs. However, shingles are quick to go up in a blaze in the event of a large wildfire. Instead, you should use non-flammable options, such as metal, slate, asphalt, or tile. A less effective solution would be to treat your wooden roofs with fire retardant or include a rooftop sprinkler system. Also, you should clean pine needles out of the gutter. They make for a landing bed for embers to grow.
Secure the Perimeter
As a homeowner, you should strive to keep the five-foot perimeter surrounding your house free from flammables. Items like propane tanks and firewood stacks are obvious sources of danger. However, there are less intuitive items you will also want to manage. Anything organic can be a fuel source. Therefore, you shouldn’t leave mulch or plants containing resins and oils within five feet of your house either.
Keep Embers Out
If embers find their way into your home, you might be in great danger. Embers can blow in from a wildfire and expand on shades, furniture, and carpets. To make sure no embers can get inside your house, cover your exterior vent openings with half-inch cloth. You should also ensure your doggy door closes properly.
Work Together
While there’s a great deal you can do to protect your home from fires, the best way to ensure safety is to prepare your community for wildfires. Perhaps you can start a community action committee to organize safety resources. Even if you prepare your home well, it’s still in jeopardy if a neighboring house ignites. People who live in densely populated areas are especially vulnerable to fires. You’re only as safe as the neighborhood’s weakest links.
