6 Ways to Make Your Home More Wildfire-Ready

by COUNTRY Financial

When you receive a notification for extreme fire danger, fire or red flag warnings, it’s time to quickly prioritize the things you need to do to keep you, your family and your home safe. Use the links below to skip to the information you need:

• Show me tips to prep my property for wildfire
• I need to file a claim today
• Show me long-term home upgrades for wildfire protection

Quick wildfire tips

1. Follow all local and state authorities’ guidance for evacuation. Have a plan and go when they say so. If there’s a high risk of wildfire in your area but still time to prep your home, here are some quick things to consider:
2. Clear dry debris from your yard, roof and gutters
   • Remove dead or dying weeds, leaves, cones, bark, etc.
   • Prune any dead or dying branches, especially those that overhang roofs
   • Remove all dead vegetation
3. Cover eaves and vents with 1/8^th inch mesh, which helps keep floating embers or flames from getting in your ventilation. 
4. Remove any combustibles on, near or underneath decks
5. Store flammables away from your yard such as dry firewood, aerosols, lighter fluid or propane tanks.
6. Keep your windows closed to keep the smoke out and prevent embers from floating in. 

Bonus tips: Long term ideas to secure your home from wildfires

While not quick fixes, these long-term upgrades can reduce your wildfire risk.  

• Consider switching to non-combustible siding such as concrete or brick.
• Switch to Class-A fire-rated roofing such as:
  • Metal
  • Clay or concrete tiles
  • Slate
  • Asphalt glass fiber composition shingles
• Update your exterior doors and windows. Multi-pane tempered glass windows and steel entry doors are more fire-resistant.

Stay safe and remember: your COUNTRY Financial Rep is only a call away if you need them