Is Your Home Ready for an Imminent Wildfire?
1. Get Ready – Wildfire Preparedness
To be wildfire-ready, two key factors should be your focus: reinforcing your home with fire-resistant materials and establishing a sufficient defensible perimeter around your property. Home hardening uses materials that can resist ignition from embers and radiant heat. On the other hand, creating a defensible space involves removing flammable vegetation and debris to create a buffer zone that can help protect your home from an approaching wildfire.
For optimal wildfire resilience, a combination of both home hardening and maintaining a defensible space is essential.
Below are some steps to establish a defensible perimeter around your home:
- Create and sustain a 100-foot radius of defensible space around your house.
- Trim tall grass to a height of no more than four inches.
- Ensure any combustible materials are placed at least 30 feet from your property.
Below are some steps to harden your home:
- Reinforce your property by maintaining a 100-foot defensible space.
- Keep tall grass trimmed to a maximum height of four inches.
- Position all flammable materials a minimum of 30 feet away from your dwelling.
2. Get Set – Create a Plan
Maximize your household’s chances of surviving a wildfire by being prepared to evacuate early. Knowing when to leave and what steps to take if you’re trapped. Formulate an evacuation plan with your family, including pet considerations, and assemble an emergency supply kit. Make sure to discuss fire safety with young children in an age-appropriate manner.
Before a wildfire event, it’s essential to get your household “set” for the possibility of evacuation. This preparatory stage involves three core actions that should be well-understood by every family member long before a wildfire threatens your area:
- Develop a comprehensive evacuation plan that encompasses the needs of all family members and pets.
- Compile an emergency supply kit for each individual in your household.
- Complete a family communication plan outlining essential contact information and evacuation procedures.
3. Go – Evacuation Guide
Be primed for quick evacuation to enhance your household’s odds of surviving a wildfire. Being prepared entails knowing when to evacuate and understanding what steps to take if you are cornered by the fire.
Before evacuation becomes necessary, implement these preparatory measures:
- Revisit your family’s wildfire action plan. Familiarize yourself again with when to evacuate and your actions if you’re trapped.
- Undertake pre-evacuation preparations to bolster your home’s defenses against fire.
- Register for text alerts about local wildfires and familiarize yourself with your community’s emergency response protocols, procedures, and designated evacuation centers.
When immediate evacuation is required, act quickly with the following steps:
- Confirm that your emergency supply kit or evacuation bag is in your vehicle.
- Dress to safeguard yourself from heat and airborne embers. Opt for long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes or boots, a hat, a dry bandanna to cover your face, and goggles or protective glasses. Clothing made from 100% cotton is recommended.
- Find your pets and ensure they accompany you during the evacuation.
The following video by Cal Fire outlines the essential steps for wildfire preparedness.
Northern California Wildfire Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a California wildfire lawyer. If you’ve been affected by a wildfire and need legal support, our top-rated personal injury law firm in Sacramento is here to help. Specializing in wildfire-related injuries, our experienced legal team offers free, friendly advice to guide you through the complexities of your case. With a track record of securing maximum verdicts and settlements for our clients since 1982, you can trust us to advocate vigorously on your behalf.
Photo by Mike Newbry on Unsplash
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