California is likely to experience several bad wildfires this year.
California has always been an attractive state to own a home because of its warm climate and sunny beaches. But most overlook the fact that our state receives strong and chaotic wildfires every year. This year has reported extremely low amounts of rainfall thus far and has caused experts to predict a longer and more hazardous fire season. So what steps can you take to shield your home from such a imposing threat? Here are 10 easy steps to protect your home while doing some spring cleaning:
- Firstly, make sure that your house has fire prevention tools installed in all the different rooms. Adding smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and possibly a water sprinkler system can all increase your chances of getting to safety as well as putting out any fires before it gets out of control.
- Next—and you should already be doing so, but just in case—be sure to have the proper professionals inspect your home’s electrical wiring, natural gas and plumbing on a regular basis. Annual visits can prevent neglect or wear from bringing down your house. Literally.
- Clear out any aging mattresses, furniture, papers, linens, and boxes from your attic and basement. All of these items are fuel for a fire waiting to be ignited. Donating, selling or giving away your old items also means less clutter around the house and a clearer escape path should there be an emergency. Why not hold a garage sale? You could get a few extra dollars and treat yourself to a dinner out!
- Garages and tool sheds should also be cleared out of any unwanted chemicals, rags, and oil. Combustible components should be relocated to a fireproof storage area and any oil-stained rags, pans, or garage floor should be thoroughly cleaned.
- Check your grass and vegetation for dead spots. The dry brush can instantly catch fire and attract the flames to your house. The dead plants should be removed or properly watered so that it is more likely to resist any incoming source of heat.
- Along the same lines, keep your gutters, roof and chimney clear of build-up and debris. The absence of a fuel source lowers the chances of a floating ember igniting your home from next door.
- If you have eaves, balconies and aboveground decks attached to your home, be sure to enclose them with fire-resistant materials. Just like the roof, you want to prevent any floating embers from igniting your home.
- Double-check your house address at the beginning of your driveway to see if it needs any touch-ups. You can also post your address on your house to ensure that the emergency vehicles can easily read it from the road.
- Remove any trees, branches, or shrubbery that are within 10 feet of your home. By doing so, you create a natural break against any incoming fires.
- If you have an emergency water source near to your house, make sure the path to it is clear and easily accessible for emergency operators. This would include fire hydrants and personal wells. The firefighters will use your swimming pool’s water, but only if absolutely necessary.
These are just a few of many solutions for fire prevention and protection. If you have any questions about removing these fire hazards from your home or would like to inquire about fire-proof construction materials, installations, or additions, please feel free to contact us online or by phone. We know how important your home is to you and we want to make sure that it is secured, no matter what the time of year. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured contractors as well as a professional restoration company, and therefore can offer you a service that is more comprehensive than our competitors—we can help you BEFORE disaster strikes, not just after. Call now, toll free: (877) 732-8471