Summer is wildfire season and, if you live in an area prone to fire, you know just how devastating these disasters can be. However, you don't have to be a sitting duck; there are steps you can take to reduce your home's risk for wildfire damage. Here are some of the wildfire precautions you should take this summer.
Embers from nearby wildfires often land on roofs, starting a blaze that can quickly consume the entire home. Luckily, you can prevent this from happening by constructing your roof with nonflammable materials. For instance, you should get shingles made out of asphalt, metal, slate, or tile for the best results. If your roof is constructed with traditional wood shingles, then you might be placing your whole home at risk this wildfire season.
Defensible space refers to a buffer zone that separates your home from flammable landscaping and woodland areas. Creating adequate defensible space around your home can help prevent a wildfire from spreading to the actual structure of your home. To create defensible space, clear away any flammable debris within a 30-ft radius around your home. You should remove things like dead plants, dry brush, wood piles, and so on.
Your home is filled with countless flammable items from carpeting to couches to wooden furniture. Should the embers from a nearby wildfire make it into your home, they could have devastating results. To keep dangerous embers outside of your home, cover any exterior vents with 1/8-inch hardware cloth. If you have a doggy door, make sure that it closes and seals properly, or consider locking it during fire season. Finally, keep windows and doors closed if there is a wildfire in the vicinity. These are some of the precautions you should take to protect your home from wildfire this summer.
Want another way to keep your home safe? Then make sure you have the proper homeowner's insurance protections in place. To find the right policies to meet your needs, contact the experts at John E. Peakes Insurance Agency. We are ready to get you covered today.
