Fire season is a time property owners brace themselves for, especially in areas vulnerable to wildfires. The heat, the dry weather, and occasional lightning pose a threat and require your attention to keep your property safe. At ServiceMaster of Colorado Springs, we provide expert fire, smoke, and ash restoration services. We understand the hazards of fire season and can offer seasoned tips to help protect your property.
While we cannot control the forces of nature, we can help you take steps to minimize the damage or loss of property during a fire. Let’s now discuss some expert tips and techniques you can use to prepare your property for a potential wildfire. Hopefully, you can avoid a disaster by taking these proactive measures.
Keep Combustible Materials Off-Site
Storing flammable materials such as propane tanks, chemicals, gasoline, and kerosene in areas near your house may harm your property. Your lawnmower and similar machines that rely on gasoline can also be a hazard if you don't store them safely. If you have any of these materials on your property, ensure they are stored safely and securely away from potential ignition sources.
Another crucial step is to clear flammable organic materials and mulch from your immediate property. Debris, such as leaves, pine needles, and sticks, can accumulate on your roof and in gutters. Keep weeds and dry branches from growing close to your property and locations with combustible storage. During a wildfire, embers can land on this debris and start a new fire. Removing this debris can prevent this from happening and protect your property.
Create A Defensible Barrier/Buffer Zone
Creating a defensible space around your dwelling involves making a buffer between it and the surrounding vegetation. A 30-100 feet wide area around your house can provide your property with a valuable safeguard, significantly reducing the risk of flames reaching your home when a fire breaks out. A buffer zone can also help to slow down the fire and gives the firefighters more time to put out the flames before they reach your property.
Facilitate Easy Emergency Responder Access
A quick emergency response can make all the difference when a wildfire starts. Ensure your address is visible from the roadway and your driveway is debris-free. The last thing you want is fire responders struggling to reach your home when the access is blocked. Furthermore, having easy access for firefighters to park and use water sources can be a lifesaver.
Work with Your Neighbors and Communities to Improve Safety
Working with your neighbors and community is an excellent approach to making your area safer. Invite your neighbors to get on board with fire prevention plans. They can help monitor your house when you are away to help protect your dwelling from potential wildfires.
Prepare an Evacuation Plan
If you reside in a high-risk fire area, creating an evacuation plan during a fire outbreak should be at the front and center of your mind. Ensure your evacuation plan includes essential items such as medications, important documents, and other valuable items. Having a predetermined refuge, group contact, or meeting point is also wise to ensure all members can locate each other swiftly during emergencies.
Build with Fireproof Materials
Installing ignition-resistant materials is the most productive step in protecting your property from fire season. These materials include fire-retardant siding, roofs, decks, attic vents, eaves, and windows. An ignition-resistant material has a lower chance of catching fire and can help prevent fires from spreading quickly throughout your property.
Use Stucco for the Exterior Walls
One of the best ways to protect your home from wildfire is using stucco for the exterior walls. Stucco is a sturdy and fire-resistant material that can prevent fire from coming inside the house. If you live in an area prone to wildfires, consider replacing your current siding with stucco.
Build with Fiber Cement Wall Siding
Fiber cement siding is another reliable material option for homeowners looking to fireproof their property. The fiberglass core and cement-like composition make the siding durable and resistant to flames, protecting your home from fire.
Choose Treated Wood
If you plan on using wood for your property's construction, treated wood is your best option. This type of wood is resistant to fire due to its pressure treatment, helping it withstand high heat.
Install Fire-Resistant Roofs
Roofs are often the most vulnerable part of a structure in a wildfire. Hence, installing fire-resistant roof materials such as metal, tile, and asphalt shingles is essential. You can reduce the risk of fire damage to your property by choosing fire-resistant roofing materials.
Preparing for Fire Season Should be a Top Priority
Fire season can significantly impact property owners, leading to damage and health/safety hazards. However, taking a few precautions and planning for potential threats can keep you, your property, and your family members safe. Preparation is pivotal. Nevertheless, no proactive measure will completely defend your property from fire. If you suffer fire, smoke, or ash damage, contact ServiceMaster of Colorado Springs immediately. We will rush over to deliver professional restoration assistance.
Stay safe! If you need restoration services, call (719) 356-3189 anytime!
