Preventative Measures: Wildfires

What are some of the preventative measures we can do to make it tougher for a wildfire to invade our property? While it is not always possible to protect our home completely from these disasters, there are ways to give a wildfire less fuel. And we should also be ready in the event we have to evacuate or we are not allowed back on our property.

With the temperatures rising and the wooded, weedy areas around our homes becoming a tinderbox ready for a spark, tending to a few of things on your property to may help prevent fires from taking over your home or at least make it more difficult to do so. Keeping your home in good condition should be part of your preparedness routine. This is always a possibility if you live in an area susceptible to this kind of havoc.
*

PRESS RELEASE

June 29, 2012, 5:12 p.m. EDT

IBHS Offers Colorado Residents Last-Minute Wildfire Preparedness Advice

TAMPA, Fla., June 29, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- As evacuations from the very dangerous Waldo Canyon wildfire continue in Colorado, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) urges home and business owners to make last-minute preparations to their home or business that could help the structure survive a wildfire attack. 

Wind-borne embers can travel more than a mile from an actual fire, according to the IBHS and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service. One no-cost, but highly effective, way to reduce risk from wildfire embers is to clear debris from roofs and gutters. In particular, overhanging or dead tree branches, leaves, pine needles and other combustible items should be removed. Be sure to remove any combustible items surrounding your house or business, such as wood piles, gas cans, and wooden structures that can be easily moved at least 30 feet - and ideally, 100 feet - from the building. Also, windows and doors should be tightly closed, and all roof vents or soffits covered to prevent embers from entering and igniting materials inside the building. 

"Our hearts go out to the thousands of people whose lives have been unfortunately impacted by this terrible fire," said Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO. 
"While.... (more....)
*

Colorado Wildfire: Family's Escape Caught on Tape
from ABC NEWS:

*

In the event this is your family, is there an emergency kit of some kind ready to go with you in your car? This is not always something you can take a minute and prepare for. It happens in the blink of an eye and it you and your family leave empty handed you will have to ride out a crisis like this in a very uncomfortable manner. Insure your family's safety and their well being. 

*

Having to leave behind a home and treasures you love is going to be tough enough! 

See the tab above: Prep 1 2 3 links for more emergency preparedness topics!