Tips on how to protect your Family & Home from Wild Fires
Tips to help protect your family and home from a wildfire
If you live in an area susceptible to wildfires, planning ahead and being prepared can be your best defense
In the U.S., fires kill more people each year than all natural disasters combined. An average of 5 million acres are burned and thousands of homes are destroyed during a fire season that lasts from May to October and, in some areas, all year long. If you live in the foothills, grasslands or mountains, you are at risk. These tips will help you plan ahead so you’re prepared should a wildfire encroach your home. Content provided by Allstate
Design your home with fire safety in mind
Select materials that can help contain fire rather than fuel it.
Use fire-resistant or non-combustible materials like tile, metal or slate on the roof.
Consider treating the exterior of your home with UL-approved fire-retardant chemicals.
Protect your home
Install a smoke detector on each level of your home and inspect them monthly.
Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher and where it’s kept.
Keep household items handy that can be used as fire tools such as a rake, ax, handsaw or chain saw, bucket and shovel.
Create a defensible zone around your home
Remove all dry grass, brush, dead leaves and branches 30 to 100 feet around your home.
Regularly clear your roof and gutters of pine needles, leaves, and other debris.
Landscape with fire-resistant plants, which include most deciduous shrubs and trees. Mow grass often. Clear vines from all walls.
Maintain an emergency water supply
Be sure there is an outside water source like a working fire hydrant or a well near your home.
If needed, consider a community emergency storage tank with 5,000 gallons for each property.
Clearly mark all emergency water sources and maintain easy firefighter access to them.
Assemble emergency supplies
Include a three-day supply of water, food, prescription medicine, and clothing.
Pack a hand-crank or battery-powered radio and flashlight (and plenty of batteries).
Make sure you have an extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks.
Take action when wildfire threatens
Make plans for yourself, your family and your pets, including overnight housing.
Listen to fire reports and watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Remember your safety comes first!
Allstate is committed to helping you make your life, home, auto and family safer. We encourage you to make wildfire preparedness part of your home safety program. For more tips on how to prepare for, keep safe and recover from catastrophic events, please visit Allstate.com.
Sources:
FEMA.gov
Ready.gov
Allstate.com