How to Prepare and Protect Your Home
With increasing populations and more intense fire conditions, we must take responsibility for protecting our communities. Protecting homes from wildfires is something anyone can do. To make a meaningful impact and safeguard your home effectively, start with the five most critical items that every resident must prioritize.
Source: Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
1 Roof and Gutters
- Class A roofs are recommended – most roofs are Class A roofs.
- If you have a tile or metal roof, add bird stops.
- Seal gaps around vents, flashing, and loose shingles.
- Keep the roof and gutters clear of debris.
2 Vents
- Install 1/8” (0.25 cm) metal screens on the inside or outside of vents.
- Do not screen dryer vents.
- Clean the vents often.
3 Siding
- Maintain 6” (15 cm) of space between the ground and the bottom of the siding.
- Install 12” (30 cm) of non-combustible material at the base of the wall.
- Install 5’ (1.5 m) of non-combustible fencing next to the home.
4 Porch and Deck
- Don’t store anything under your deck.
- Minimize flammable material on your deck such as furniture or cushions.
- Keep the area under the deck clear of debris.
5 Immediate Zone (0-5 feet)
- Keep the area within 5’ (1.5 m) of the home free of flammable material.
- No plants are ideal. If you do have plants, choose the type, number, and spacing carefully.
- Use hardscape like gravel or pavers as much as possible.
- Do not park vehicles in this area. Do not store firewood, trash cans, pet houses, or similar items in this area.
- Clear yard debris and dead plant materials often.
