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Be Prepared in Case of Wildfire
Taking proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk can make your home safer.
Stay Up to Date With Vegetation Management
To increase your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire, limit the amount of flammable vegetation in the three home ignition zones. Zones comprise the immediate zone, up to 5 feet around the house; the intermediate zone, 5 to 30 feet; and the extended zone, 30 to 100 feet.
To increase your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire, limit the amount of flammable vegetation in the three home ignition zones. Zones comprise the immediate zone, up to 5 feet around the house; the intermediate zone, 5 to 30 feet; and the extended zone, 30 to 100 feet.
To reduce ember ignitions and fire spread, trim branches that overhang the home, porch and deck. Prune branches of large trees up to 10 feet, depending on their height, from the ground. Remove plants containing resins, oils and waxes. Use crushed stone or gravel instead of flammable mulches in the immediate zone around your home, and keep your landscape in good condition.
Jorge Canaca, CEO
Use Fire-Resistant Construction
Class A fire-rated roofing products—such as composite shingles, metal, concrete and clay tiles—offer the best protection. Inspect shingles or roof tiles and replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration. Box in eaves, but provide ventilation to prevent condensation and mildew. Roof and attic vents should be screened to prevent ember entry.
Class A fire-rated roofing products—such as composite shingles, metal, concrete and clay tiles—offer the best protection. Inspect shingles or roof tiles and replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration. Box in eaves, but provide ventilation to prevent condensation and mildew. Roof and attic vents should be screened to prevent ember entry.
Never store flammable materials underneath decks or porches. Remove dead vegetation and debris from under decks and porches and between deck board joints.
Embers can collect in small nooks and crannies, where they can ignite combustible materials. Radiant heat from flames can crack windows. Use fire-resistant siding—such as brick, fiber cement, plaster or stucco—and dual-pane tempered glass windows.
Embers can collect in small nooks and crannies, where they can ignite combustible materials. Radiant heat from flames can crack windows. Use fire-resistant siding—such as brick, fiber cement, plaster or stucco—and dual-pane tempered glass windows.
Be Prepared
Ensure your home and neighborhood have legible and clearly marked street names and numbers. Driveways should be at least 12 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet for emergency vehicle access. Before an emergency occurs, follow the steps below:
Ensure your home and neighborhood have legible and clearly marked street names and numbers. Driveways should be at least 12 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet for emergency vehicle access. Before an emergency occurs, follow the steps below:
Develop, discuss and practice an emergency action plan with everyone in your home. Include details for handling pets, large animals and livestock.
Know two ways out of your neighborhood and have a predesignated meeting place.
Evacuate if you feel it’s unsafe to stay—don’t wait to receive an emergency notification if you feel threatened by fires.
Evacuate if you feel it’s unsafe to stay—don’t wait to receive an emergency notification if you feel threatened by fires.
Conduct an annual insurance policy checkup to adjust for local building costs, codes and new renovations.
Creating or updating a home inventory can help settle claims faster.
Creating or updating a home inventory can help settle claims faster.
To learn more about the specific wildfire risk where you live, talk to your local forestry agency or fire department. Being prepared is crucial during wildfire season.