Tampa – Property owners not immediately threatened by wildfires blazing in Arizona can take steps now to protect their homes against potential future threats. The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) says the key is creating survivable space: a zone around your house that could slow the fire and direct it elsewhere.
There are three levels of protection. The first, outlined below, can be done immediately. The second should be done during landscaping, and the third set of criteria can be taken into consideration during the building or re-building process.
GIVE YOUR HOME A SURVIVABLE SPACE
To create survivable space, you must view your yard as a fuel source. Fire will burn only if fuel, such as landscaping, woodpiles and decks, are present. To create your survivable space, take the following steps within at least 30 feet of your home, 50-100 feet if you live in a heavily wooded area:
Prune trees and shrubs.
Branches on taller trees should be a minimum of 6 feet from the ground.
Remove dead leaves and branches, especially around the roof and chimney.
Mow your lawn regularly and dispose promptly of cuttings and debris.
Clear your roof, gutters and eaves of debris.
Maintain your irrigation system.
Move firewood and storage tanks 50 feet away from the home.
Store flammable liquids properly.
MINIMIZE RISK THROUGH SMART LANDSCAPING
When landscaping, take these additional steps to help protect your home.
Introduce more native vegetation.
Space trees at least 10 feet apart.
Do not connect wooden fencing directly to your home.
BUILD OR RETROFIT YOUR HOME WITH NON-FLAMMABLE MATERIALS
Another line of defense is the type of materials used on your home’s exterior.
Use only non-combustible roofing products.
Enclose and screen eaves, fascias, soffits and sub floor vents using 1/4” non-combustible screening.
Install spark arresters in chimneys.
Enclose decks with fire-resistant materials.
Cover exterior walls with fire resistant materials like stucco, stone, or brick. (Vinyl siding can melt and is not recommended).
Use double paned or tempered glass for all exterior windows.
The pamphlet Protect Your Home Against Wildfire Damage and other natural disaster safety information can be found on the IBHS web site, www.disastersafety.org. Obtain a free single copy of any IBHS publication by calling toll free, 1 (866)-657-IBHS (4247).
IBHS is a national nonprofit initiative of the insurance industry to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused by natural disasters.
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