California is experiencing a significant increase in wildfire risk in recent years. Due to poor air quality, soaring temperatures and droughts, homeowners across Los Angeles County are doubling down on strategies to lower their property’s risk of fire damage.
So, what can you do to effectively protect your home from potential wildfire damage? Thankfully, the fire damage restoration experts at Save the Day Restoration have the answers you’re looking for.
Here are five actionable tips to prevent wildfire damage to your house.
1. Create Defensible Space
Creating defensible space zones around your home boosts your protection. A defensible space is a landscaped or natural area surrounding your home that acts as a buffer between your house and any trees, grass, and shrubs that surround it. This helps to slow or completely stop the spread of flames and gives firefighters a safe space to do their job.
The area that is less than five feet away from your home is the most vulnerable. You should vigilantly maintain it for maximum fire resistance. This includes:
- Clearing out all dead brush
- Removing combustible outdoor furniture
- Not storing firewood or lumber near your house
- Using only non-combustible, inorganic mulches, such as gravel or stones
By creating defensible space around your house, you can increase your safety.
2. Proof the Roof
During a wildfire, embers can often land on roofs, quickly sparking a blaze that damages your whole home. To prevent this from happening, your roof needs to be constructed from nonflammable materials, including metal, slate, tile, or asphalt shingles.
It’s also important to keep your gutters free of leaves, sticks, and other debris. These can feed the flames.
3. Don’t Let Embers Enter
Most houses are brimming with flammable materials, including shades, carpets, and furniture. If an ember potentially finds its way inside your home, it can quickly cause significant damage. That’s why it’s essential that you keep embers out.
You can do this by:
- Making sure your door is properly sealed and leaving it closed during wildfire season
- Covering all exterior vent openings with 1/8-inch hardware cloth
- Immediately replacing missing roof tiles or shingles and caulking any cracks
- Installing double-paned or tempered glass windows
4. Have a Plan of Escape
In the unfortunate event that a wildfire comes dangerously close to your home, it’s important to be prepared. Developing a wildfire emergency evacuation plan will keep you and your loved ones safe.
Well before fire season starts, create an evacuation plan that all members of your family can easily understand and follow. Your plan should include:
- A simple map of your home that includes all exits
- A designated place for everyone to meet outdoors
- Multiple rehearsals so everyone knows exactly what to do
5. Following a Disaster
If a wildfire hits your home, you need to know what steps to take after the flames have been put out. After a catastrophe has passed, check to make sure everyone is safe. Next, get on the phone with your insurance agency.
If the property is secure, contact a local restoration company that is well-versed in taking the necessary precautions following fire damage. These can include:
- Boarding up the windows
- Salvaging undamaged items
- Putting a tarp over your roof
Professional restoration companies like Save the Day Restoration also specializes in handling the odor removal, smoke damage, and fire damage restoration services you will require following a fire in your home.
A Fire Damage Restoration Company You Can Count On
Save the Day Restoration understands that wildfire damage is a terrifying experience. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency services. For over 15 years, Los Angeles County homeowners have trusted us to restore their homes after a fire or flood. We always go above and beyond to provide you with the best solutions so you can feel at ease. We’ll rebuild your home so it’s a safe, welcoming place once again.
To learn more, contact us today by calling (562) 553-5020. Your next chapter is just a phone call away.
