Over the past few years, wildfires have become an increasingly common natural disaster. So far in 2022, more than 6,800 wildfires have been reported in Texas destroying nearly 600,000 acres. While some people are lucky enough to live in areas that are not at risk for wildfires, others are not so lucky. If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, it is important to take steps to protect your home against them. Here are a few things you can do.
When it comes to protecting your home against wildfires and fire damage, there are a few things you can do. You should also have an evacuation plan in place in case of an emergency, and be sure to keep track of local conditions so you can be prepared for any potential fires. Below are a few tips from the Texas A&M Forest Service on how to protext your home against wildfires or you can see the full list of tips here.
Create a defensible space around your home by clearing brush and removing dead trees.
Did you know that clearing brush and removing dead trees around your home can help protect against wild fires? It's true! Creating a defensible space is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk. By maintaining a clear area around your house, you create a barrier that can help prevent fire from spreading. Additionally, it is important to remove any potential fuel sources such as leaves and branches that could catch fire easily. Taking these simple steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe during a wild fire. The idea of fire resistant landscaping is to create a separation between fuels a fire needs to continue burning. Fuels include trees surrounding your property, plants used in landscaping and even your home itself.
Install ember screens on your windows and vents.
In recent years, wildfires have become more common and destructive in the United States. Homeowners in wildfire-prone areas can take steps to protect their homes from embers that may be carried by the wind during a fire. One way to do this is to install ember screens on your windows and vents. Ember screens are made of metal mesh that helps block sparks and burning debris from entering your home through openings.
Have fire extinguishers ready inside your home in case of emergencies.
While it is important to have a fire extinguisher ready inside your home in case of emergencies, there are other steps you can take to help protect your home against wild fires. For example, create a defensible space around your house by clearing any flammable materials within 30 feet of all structures on your property. You should also keep gutters and roofs clear of leaves and other debris that could catch fire easily. Finally, regular maintenance on heating and cooling systems can help reduce the risk of sparks igniting nearby vegetation.
As a homeowner, you are not powerless in your defense against wildfires. By taking a proactive approach to wildfire prevention, you can significantly increase your safety and your home’s likelihood of survival during a catastrophic wildfire event.
The actions you take to reduce the risk on your property before a fire occurs can make all the difference. Follow the guidelines above to ensure that your home has the best chance of surviving a wildfire with out the need of fire damage restoration.