Wildfire Defense: Essential Tips to Protect Your Home Year-Round

Wildfires are unpredictable and have become a year-round concern. Since 1983, the National Interagency Fire Center has documented an average of 70K wildfires per year. So far in 2024, there have been over 29K  fires, burning almost 4.75 million acres. Wildfires can occur rapidly and anywhere throughout the United States.  While wildfires may be unavoidable, there are some preventative tips that can help ensure you, your family, and your home are prepared and safe. To prepare for the unexpected, here are some tips to consider;  

Make sure fire departments have access to your property and ensure your property address is clear and visible from the road.  If you live in a gated property, confirm the local fire department has gate codes and discuss how they will gain access to your property during a power outage.  Illuminate your house numbers to enhance visibility, and make sure they can be seen from both directions of travel without being obstructed by trees or bushes. 

Install dual paned tempered glass windows and doors.  Tempered glass is approximately four times more resistant to breaking during a wildfire. This will help prevent the spread of flames into your home. 

Fireproof your roof & keep embers out. 90% of homes lost to wildfires are ignited by flying embers, not from the heat of the fire. Using nonflammable materials to fireproof your roof can prevent loose embers from igniting, offering an extra layer of protection for your home. Cover exterior vents with metal wire mesh, no larger than 1/8 inch.  Foundations should also be enclosed to prevent embers from getting underneath your home.

Create a defensible space. Take precautionary steps around your property such as regularly clearing debris and combustible materials, spacing trees and vegetation appropriately, consider a less flammable species of plants for landscaping as well as the use noncombustible materials such as gravel, brick, or concrete.  Having a defensible space around your home will help prevent wildfire from spreading.

Maintain Alarm Systems including all fire and smoke detectors within your home to ensure they are functioning properly. 

Having a plan in place can help ensure your peace of mind. Prepare your evacuation plan and kit to ensure you and your family can evacuate your property quickly and safely in the event of a wildfire. Your evacuation kit should be portable, consisting of items such as clothing, a first aid-kit, identification documents, cash, a flashlight and cell phone chargers. 

Following the above tips and having proper insurance coverage for your home and valuables can provide you with peace of mind. It is important to know what coverage your policy provides, and if wildfire is included. Some policies may contain a separate deductible for wildfire.  If your insurance company offers Wild Fire Defense Services, it is important to make sure you are enrolled in the program. To learn more about this, get in touch today.