Preparing Your Home to Survive a Wildfire

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Los Angeles, California / Los Angeles County - August 31 2009: Station Fire was the largest wildfire of the 2009 California wildfire season.

Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. By working together, residents can make their own property - and their neighborhood - much safer from wildfire.

Wildfire risk reduction safety tips

Before a wildfire threatens your area…

In and around your home

• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
• Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house. 
• Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
• Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
• Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
• Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
• Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
• Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.

You can't predict a wildfire, but you can do your part to keep your home safe.  SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is here to help you prepare for any disaster by creating an EMERGENCY READY PROFILE for your home or business.  Call now (208) 242-3819 to schedule your free profile.