How To Protect Your Home From Wildfires

If you live somewhere that is at risk of wildfires or forest fires, your home is at risk. While you should definitely have a homeowners insurance policy just in case your home is affected, there are also some other things you can do to protect your home.

Know the Causes of Wildfires

The first thing you can do to protect your home is educate yourself on the different causes of wildfires. This helps because, when you notice any of these conditions, you can be prepared for the fire beforehand. Wildfires and forest fires can be caused by droughts and extremely dry heat, high winds, equipment operation, burning debris, smoking cigarettes, public transportation, and sparks that are caused by different types of vehicles. Lightning and arson can also cause these fires.

Reduce Flammable Risks Outside Your Home

The exterior of your home could be what keeps you from being affected by a nearby fire. It is important that you landscape frequently and trim your trees so that they are not close to power lines. You also want to cut trees that are close to your roof and other structures near your home. Remove any materials that could possibly catch fire, such as dead branches and shrubs, flammable materials, firewood, and dead twigs.

Clean your gutters regularly of debris, branches and leaves. If you live in an area that gets fires often, consider installing a pond in your back or front yard. You can also have fire-resistant materials installed on your roof.

Have a Smoke Alarm and Fire Extinguisher

You might not be able to protect your home from fire in all cases, but you can at least protect your family. Make sure you have a smoke alarm installed in every bedroom and that the batteries are changed on a regular basis. Newer models will start beeping when the battery gets low. Don't just turn off the beeping; open up the alarm to see if it needs new batteries. You should also have at least one fire extinguisher in the home. Teach everyone how to use the fire extinguisher.

Reduce Your Indoor Fire Risk

There are some different things that not only increase your own fire risk, but if there is a nearby wildfire, gives it more ammunition to burn down your house. Make sure you do the following things to reduce your risk:

• Always unplug appliances when they aren't being used
• Don't place flammable materials near heat sources
• Never leave extension cords plugged in after use
• Cover any junction boxes that are exposed
• Have your ducts and furnace inspected regularly.

You can also talk to your local fire department about further tips for reducing your risk of fire. Speak with your insurance provider to see what fire prevention measures they recommend and if any of these can reduce your premium cost. For more information, contact a company like Greg Thomas Insurance Agency Inc.

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