In light of the latest round of devastating wildfires, it’s worth taking some time to look at our own risks.
Why it matters: Even in cities without a history of wildfires, intense heat waves can make our homes more susceptible to fire.
🖼️ The big picture: IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety) conducts ongoing research to determine best practices for resilient construction methods.
- Their research is focused on protecting our homes from hail, high winds, wind-driven rain and wildfires.
⛏️ Dig deeper: Learn to be Wildfire Ready at DisasterSafety.org
- “No one thing reduces risk completely—the solution requires a system.”
📝 What to do next: Consider your home in light of these tips:
👉 Make sure your roof is fire-rated
- Nearly all asphalt shingles are Class A fire-rated (Class A is best)
👉 Create a buffer in the “Home Ignition Zone” — 0-5 feet around the home
- Hardscapes like gravel or pavers are best.
- Trim trees so that branches do not extend over the roof and are at least 6 feet off the ground (for shorter trees trim from the ground up to 1/3 the tree’s height)
👉 Remove items under your deck
- Under a deck is not a good place to store any combustible materials
👉 Add or upgrade vent screens
- Attic, roof and crawlspace vents with metal screens 1/8 inch or finer prevent embers from entering
✅ For your Smart Homeowner list
- Consider your risks and act accordingly.
- Here are some tips for creating a Home Fire Escape Plan
Best,
Travis