Wildfire Preparation Helps Prevent Property Loss

From 2013 to 2022, an average of over 60,000 wildfires burned 7.2 million acres each year. And since the 1990s, the number of homes in wildfire perimeters has doubled. Regardless of where you live, taking time to prepare can help prevent wildfires and reduce the likelihood of property damage or bodily injury should a wildfire occur. Here are three key steps:
 

1. Home Safety Measures: 

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test them regularly.

• Reduce the amount of combustible material near your property by clearing debris, wood, brush, and other materials. Check out detailed recommendations from readyforwildfire.org about how to create defensible space zones. 
• Use metal mesh to cover vents, chimneys, and other openings. 
• Keep rain gutters clear of debris. 
• When you remodel your home, choose fire-resistant materials like metal or tile roofing, fiber cement siding, and stucco. 
• Use fire-resistant landscaping materials like stone and plant trees less susceptible to fire spread, such as hardwoods.
• Ensure your home has adequate lightning protection and grounding systems.
• Install sprinkler systems.
   

2. Stay Informed and Aware:

• Never leave any outdoor fire unattended, and make sure fires are fully extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving the area. 
• Do not use equipment that produces sparks outdoors, particularly on dry and windy days. 
• Do not park vehicles in tall, dry grass. 
• Keep grills and propane tanks away from your home, and do not use grills during high-risk conditions. 
• Always have a fire extinguisher and, ideally, a water supply when you work with power equipment outside.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts and notifications to stay updated on wildfire risks in your area.
   

3. Have a plan in case a wildfire threatens your property: 

• Maintain a detailed property inventory of your home. Acuity has a home inventory worksheet you can use.
• Regularly review your home insurance policy with your independent agent to ensure you have adequate coverage.
• Be sure everyone in your home knows the location of fire extinguishers, hoses, fire-fighting tools, and shutoffs for gas, electricity, and water. 
• Create an evacuation plan for your family, pets, and livestock. 
• Keep an emergency supply kit and a battery-powered radio in case you need to evacuate—the Red Cross provides a list of recommended supplies.  
   

4. Community Engagement and Cooperation:

• Participate in community wildfire preparedness programs and neighborhood clean-up events.
• Collaborate with neighbors to create a community wildfire action plan.
• Support local initiatives that focus on forest management and reducing wildfire risks.
   

5. Post-Fire Recovery and Restoration:

• After a wildfire, assess the damage to your property safely and consult professionals for clean-up and restoration.
• Work with insurance companies and disaster relief organizations to expedite recovery efforts.
• Implement erosion control measures and reforestation projects to restore the landscape and prevent further environmental damage.
   

Wildfires are unpredictable and pose significant risks to lives, property, and natural resources. Taking steps to prepare, prevent, and respond to wildfires can help safeguard your community and reduce the devastating impact of these destructive events. Remember, wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility, and everyone plays a vital role in creating a safer and more resilient environment.

* https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/IF10244.pdf
* https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wildfires-threaten-more-homes-and-people-in-the-u-s-than-ever-before/