IBHS News Releases

Tampa – As wildfires rage in Southern California, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is encouraging homeowners who are not immediately threatened to take steps to reduce their risk and boost their homes’ defenses. 

The key, according to IBHS, is removing everything fire would view as a fuel source. This will help create a zone around the home to help slow flames, should a fire start, and potentially direct it elsewhere.

IBHS recommends taking the following 10 steps within 30 feet of most houses, 50-100 feet if it’s a heavily wooded area (100 feet if it’s in California):

1. Space trees at least 10 feet apart. .
2. Prune trees and shrubs.
3. Trim taller trees so the lowest branch is no less than six feet from the ground.
4. Remove dead or dying trees and shrubs.
5. Clear branches from around the roof and chimney.
6. Mow lawn regularly and dispose promptly of cuttings and debris.
7. Clear roof, gutters and eaves of debris.
8. Maintain your irrigation system.
9. Move firewood and storage tanks 50 feet away from the home.
10. Store flammable liquids properly.   

Homeowners about to begin a landscaping project can increase their protection by introducing fire-resistant plants, according to IBHS. See a list of fire-resistant plants by region.

And if a facelift is being planned for a home’s exterior, use only non-combustible materials on the roof, walls, eaves, soffits and fascia.

For more information to help protect your home or business from disasters or more common causes of loss, click here.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other property losses by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.