Wildfires are a hazardous part of living in the Mountain West. With climate change causing further extremes in weather, dry conditions, and dry lightning storms, the threat of wildfires is increasing every year. It’s essential to be prepared for the event of a fire so that you, your family, and your home are safe in the event of an emergency. Here are tips for ensuring your home is prepared for a wildfire.
Cleaning up your property and making sure it’s clear of debris, dry vegetation, and flammable materials can help minimize your risk of becoming the victim of a blaze and decrease the spread of flames. Dispose of hay, firewood, and leaves that might be stored near your home and replace them with non-flammable materials like concrete or brick. Keep dry brush and grass trimmed away from the home, and make sure dried leaves and branches aren’t near the house or in the attic space.
It’s also important to make sure your home is up to code and has adequate fire safety guidelines. Installing smoke alarms and fire extinguishers can help identify a blaze and put it out quickly. Inspecting gutters, landscaping, and roofing can also reveal potential problems that could contribute to a quick spread of flames. If you’re worried about your home’s safety, consult a home inspector for advice on what improvements are necessary.
Smart Home Technology
With the advent of smart home technology, it’s now possible to outfit your home with devices that can detect smoke or fires and alert you or the fire department. Smart smoke detectors can monitor your home in a more efficient way than traditional alarms, and they can send you an alert via an app or text message if smoke or a fire is detected.
Additionally, installing a smart fire alarm can be helpful. These systems can detect early signs of fire and send you alerts so you have additional time to take action before a blaze gets out of control. Smart fire alarms can also be set up to turn off the water main in your home, which can help slow the spread of a fire.
Regular Home Maintenance
Making sure your home is up-to-date with regular maintenance is also important to keep it safe from the threat of a wildfire. Check hoses and irrigation systems to ensure they’re functioning properly, and repair any damage from wear and tear. Make sure shrubbery and trees around the home are trimmed back from the home, and inspect for tree pests that could contribute to decay or disease in the vegetation.
Additionally, consider installing fire-resistant and fire-resistant materials on your home. This can include roofing materials like concrete tile or aluminum, and windows and doors made of steel frames. This can help slow the spread of flames in the event of an emergency.
Finally, make sure your home has adequate emergency supplies in case you need to evacuate quickly. Items like water, flashlights, non-perishable food, batteries, first aid supplies, and a portable radio should be stocked, and you should have an emergency plan in place and a predetermined meetup spot in case of an emergency.
Take Action Today
With the right steps, you can help protect your family and your home from the threat of a wildfire. Make sure your property is clear of debris, keep regular maintenance on your home, and install fire-resistant materials to slow the spread of flames. Additionally, install smart home technology to detect fires and get a head start on alerting the fire department. With the right precautions, you can rest assured that your Mountain West home is safe from the threat of wildfires.