Wildfire Damage Prevention Tips for Homeowners

by | Dec 10, 2018 | Wildfire Prep Tips

If you live in an area prone to wildfires, any sign of dry weather can be intimidating. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take as a homeowner to help prevent damage to your home and belongings in the events that a fire does occur. Here are a few damage prevention tips to implement to ensure your dwelling is as safe as possible.

  • Keep your gutters and roofs clear of debris
  • Regularly prune trees of low hanging branches and limbs
  • Never store firewood close to your home between the early spring and early fall months.
  • Never store propane tanks against your home, or underneath porches or decks.
  • Mow your grass and water your yard on a regular basis
  • Clear your yard of dead vegetation and other debris
  • Apply fire-retardant finishes to exterior wood
  • Use nonflammable roofing and construction materials
  • Use double-paned windows or tempered glass
  • For landscaping, use fire-resistant plants and gardening materials
  • Create a written evacuation plan that includes family contact information, gathering points, and alternative routes. Review this plan with your family often during high-risk seasons.
  • Keep important documents together in a safe place with a thorough home inventory of your valuable belongings in case they’re damaged or destroyed in a fire.

Understanding your Home Insurance policy.

It’s important to make sure you understand your homeowner’s policy and how much coverage you have, should a wildfire occur. Most policies generally cover damages from natural disasters such as wildfires, but keep in mind that limits and deductions can vary by policy and geographical location. Our insurance agents are dedicated to getting you the best coverage at the lowest rate, so call us today to discuss your policy and whether you need to modify or expand your coverage to meet your needs.

With these prevention tips, and some simple preparation, you’ll have peace of mind no matter what the weather forecast looks like.

Learn about our all new Mangrove Evacuation Program for Wildfires, Hurricanes & other natural disasters.