Wildfires have increased enormously in the past two decades, and we cannot blame climate change entirely. Overpopulation, building houses in the remote areas on natural forest fire paths, and manmade fire cause the most severe damages than natural wildfire. People can avoid numerous dangers associated with wildfires if they take the necessary steps to fireproof their houses.
Proper debris removal
Always check your roof and garden for dry leaf debris during the hot climate and keep them clean. Remove the leaves clogging the drains, pipes, attic roofs, and dry grass in the garden.
Trim away the bottom branches in giant trees around the house to prevent them from catching fires. Check for pine cone debris in the roof, decks, and around the house and clear them regularly.
Most insurance companies do not help you if you don’t take enough measures to fireproof the house. Use the local firefighting team’s guidance to protect your home before the wildfires. Usattorneys.com helps you find the best insurance lawyers who can get you appropriate relief for fire damage if you face issues with your insurance company.
Wise landscaping
Select trees and plants based on the natural fauna and flora of your area for the garden. Succulents help in preserving the moisture in the ground and preventing wildfire from engulfing your house.
Planting them along the fence is highly helpful in certain areas known for regular fire accidents during the season. Try planting soapweed yucca, saltbush, crabapple, and other drought-resistant varieties in your garden during the wildfire season.
Trimming the extra bushes starting to dry out because of extreme heat and clearing twigs and dry wood from trees with the help of an experienced local gardener will be very helpful.
Remove flammable materials
The National Fire Protection Association or NFPA gives protective and preparatory guidelines for the residents living in wildfire-prone areas. If a fire warning gets issued in your area, remove all the combustible materials near the house.
Store firewood at a safe distance from the home and secure the vehicles as their fuel is highly flammable. Park them in the road far away from your home and the other homes in the area.
Take steps to remove screens, mats, cushions, propane tanks, and other wood or combustible items from the deck and garage. Fire insurance, natural disaster insurance, and general home insurance claims cover wildfire damages.
Fireproof the house
The very high temperature might cause the wooden shingles to expand, and they crack at the edges when they don’t have enough space to expand. The cracks cause water leakage in unnoticed areas, leading to an electric short circuit and fire.
Consult your local authorities and fireproof the house as required with extra safe electrical wiring. Use tempered glass for the windows and shield the floors and walls with terracotta tiles to get extra protection from wildfires when you build the house.
Use the homeowner’s repair insurance to get help to make these minor repairs to safeguard from the fire. Seek the help of an insurance lawyer to get practical help regarding fire damage insurance.
Have an emergency plan
Make arrangements to store water around the house in pools and temporary tanks to use during the emergency. Secure the melting items like gold in bank lockers of safe areas once you get the wildfire warning. Vacate the house immediately and stay in a safe place without waiting for the fire to get too close as wildfires spread too quickly.
Always have an emergency kit ready and be trained to vacate the area at the shortest time possible, just picking the essential items already kept packed. Report the damages done by fire to your insurance company without any delay.