Preparing Your Home and Your Family in the Event of a Wildfire
In some areas of the United States, regions that used to have designated “wildfire seasons” are finding that these seasons extend much longer – and in some cases, all year long. In recent years, we have seen some of the country’s most devastating wildfires ever, with significant loss of landscape, homes, and life. If you live in an area prone to wildfire, you should take steps to prepare your home and property to reduce fire risk. It’s also important to have a wildfire action plan.
Completing tasks such as brush removal and clearing gutters can be challenging to keep up with at any age. Particularly as we get older, it may become increasingly challenging to carry out these duties. It may also take more effort and time to evacuate. As a result, planning is critical.
Whether you are well-versed on what to do in the event of a wildfire, have experienced firsthand the impact of a wildfire, or have just moved to a wildfire-prone area, here are steps to take when preparing your home and family.
Keeping Your Home and Family Prepared for a Wildfire All Year Long
There are numerous critical steps to minimizing the risk of a wildfire reaching your home. CAL FIRE has everything you need to know to “get ready”.
Your Home
One of the most important steps you can take is to remove brush from the defensible space around your home. Defensible space is “…the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it protects your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. Defensible space is also important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home.” (CAL FIRE) It’s important to do this all year long to always be ready. If you are unsure about doing this yourself, you might consider finding a professional to help. Search in your area for brush removal services, or talk with a landscaper or tree service to see if they provide such services. Read More
