Dry periods with little rainfall can make brush, grass and trees more susceptible to burning. High winds can rapidly spread and quickly increase the size of a fire. When a wildfire strikes, it can destroy homes, businesses, infrastructure and entire communities.
Is there anything you can do to protect your home from a potential wildfire? The answer is yes. Carefully plan and follow these simple measures to mitigate your risk.
Select landscaping carefully
Do you have upcoming landscaping projects? If so, make decisions with fire safety in mind. Create a 30-foot fire-resistant space around your home to prevent fires from spreading near your home. These steps will also help:
- Space plants and ensure they are low-growing and free of resins, oils and waxes that burn easily.
- Mow the lawn regularly.
- Prune trees up to six to 10 feet from the ground.
- Create a “fire-free area” around your home by using nonflammable landscaping materials, such as high-moisture-content annuals or perennials.
- Remove all dead vegetation within 10 feet of the house to create a small fire barrier.
- If purchasing outdoor furniture, such as patio furniture or swing sets, select items that are fire-resistant.
- Don’t stack firewood too close to the house, as it can serve as fuel if a fire breaks out
Keep items that could be a potential fire hazard (e.g. gas grills, propane tanks) at least 15 feet away from any structure. Avoid using them during potential dangerous fire-watch and red-flag conditions, and always keep a fire extinguisher or hose nearby.
Keep fire extinguishers on hand
If you don’t already have fire extinguishers in your home, stock key areas with them. Be certain everyone in your house knows what to do if a fire breaks out and how to use the extinguisher.
What type of extinguisher is best? Select an ABC-type, which uses a chemical to extinguish ordinary combustible, flammable liquid and electrical fires. Inspect the extinguishers regularly and replace them in accordance with the owner’s manual.
Avoid practices that can cause wildfires
Unlike most natural disasters, wildfires are often caused by people. They can occur any time the ground is not completely snow-covered. Officially, fire season starts in late spring and extends until the end of the calendar year. During this period, it’s critical to diligently reduce fire risk. Avoid using anything that could create sparks outside on dry, windy days like lawn mowers, trimmers, welders and chain saws. Starting a fire, even accidentally, can result in serious consequences.
Avoid parking vehicles in tall, dry grass if a fire-weather watch or red-flag warning is issued. Exhaust systems are hot and could potentially ignite dry grass. Also, talk to your neighbours about fire safety. The homes around you might have fire risks and by addressing them, you can make the entire neighbourhood safer.
Clean your roof and gutters
Have you cleaned your gutters lately? This is a critical step in mitigating fire risk. Remove dead branches from trees that extend over your roof, and set reminders to check gutters frequently. Many experts recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year: once in the late spring and once during the summer or early fall. Depending on the type of foliage around your home, more frequent cleanings may be required. For example, if you have pine trees growing over your house, you should consider inspecting your gutters at least every three months.
Review your homeowners policy
If you haven’t reviewed your homeowner’s policy recently, it’s a good idea to take a closer look. It’s typically recommended that homeowners review their policies at least once a year. The majority of policies cover property loss as the result of brush, grass or forest fires. However, most policies do not cover home landscaping and plants that could be destroyed in a wildfire. And no policy can replace sentimental items, such as family photographs and special memorabilia. Consider creating a home inventory to help resolve any potential future claims faster.
If you need help understanding the best insurance options to safeguard against fire damage, your insurance broker is a valuable resource who will keep your interests in mind and help you navigate the insurance process.