Reducing the risk of wildfires.
It’s the summer, and that means many of us are enjoying basking in the summer sunshine and weather. Unfortunately, with the dry and hot heat comes the risk of wildfires, especially in California. The risk of wildfire damage is very real in our region of Southern California. To help protect your property, check out these tips.
- Have an emergency plan in place.
Although it is important to protect your property in a wildfire, your main concern should be your safety and the safety of your family. Ensure that everyone in the house knows what to do, how to evacuate, and where to meet if a wildfire does creep near the home.
- Maintain defensible space.
Use non-combustible materials such as gravel, brick, or concrete 0 to 5 feet around your home. Remove combustible material such as dead vegetation, wood chip, bark mulch, propane gas tanks, and gas grills. You should also identify possible water sources and proper water storage facilities. Structures such as ponds, foundations, and swimming pools are ideal water storage points in case of a local forest fire and water shortage.
- Protect the roof.
Regularly remove debris that may have accumulated on your roof, since debris can be ignited by wind-blown embers. While you’ve got the ladder out, be sure that the home’s gutters are kept clear of debris. If used, gutter covers should be non-combustible.
- Look to the vents.
Cover all vents with wire mesh in order to prevent embers from entering the home. Use 1/8-inch mesh to cover vents, and box-in open eaves to create a soffited eave.
- Review insurance coverage.
Review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that you have optimum coverage if your home and belongings are damaged by a wildfire. Insurance is there to protect your property – reviewing your policy can help to ensure you have suitable limits for your financial needs.
Are you looking for reliable homeowners insurance for your California home? Contact the team at Young Insurance, serving Burbank and neighboring cities.
