Northern California Wildfires

Thursday, August 09, 2018

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES ARE WREAKING HAVOC ON

PEOPLE, FORESTS AND WILDLIFE

 

So what can you do to protect yourself, your home and property from wildfires? Here are some tips for preparing your home and yard to survive a wildfire.

 

Creating Defensible Space

  1. Introduce more native vegetation.
  2. Space trees at least 10 feet apart.
  3. Remove dead or dying trees and shrubs.
  4. Keep trees and shrubs pruned.
  5. Mow yourlawn regularly and dispose promptly of cuttings and debris.
  6. Maintain yourirrigation system.
  7. Clear your roof, gutters and eaves of debris.

 

If the wildfire gets to the house, another line of defense is the type of materials used on your homes exterior.

  • Use only non-combustible roofing materials.
  • Box in the eaves, fascias, soffits and subfloors with fire resistant materials like treated wood, reducing the vent sizes.
  • Apply 1/4″ non-combustible screening to all vent or eave openings.
  • Install spark arresters in chimneys.
  • Enclose the undersides of decks with fire-resistant materials.
  • Cover exterior walls with fire resistant materials like stucco, stone, or brick. (Vinyl siding can melt and is not recommended). 
  • Use double paned or tempered glass for all exterior windows.
  • Install noncombustible street signs.
  • Make sure your address is visible from the street.

CLOSE