Wildfires

Few people realize that when they move to the edges of wilderness, they move into the domain of wildfires. Even though you may live in a thoroughly contemporary suburb, if you can look away into open country, brush or deep woods, you're vulnerable during hot and dry seasons.

You don't have to lose your home and possessions to nature's burning rage. It's never too early to prepare, and you can take several basic steps right now to protect your family and your home from disaster.

Your home, your castle

You can do a lot to protect your home from being destroyed by wildfire, both inside and out, and in many cases upgrades can be handled without hiring a contractor or engineer. Regardless, be sure that what you're planning is in line with local building codes before you start.

Think ahead when building or remodeling

A wildfire poses a threat to any structure in its path, but there are steps you can take now to increase the chances of your home escaping with minimal damage:

• Cover attic and sub-floor vents with noncombustible screening with a mesh size no greater than 1/4 inch.
  
• Avoid flammable materials when building your roof because it can easily catch fire from wind-blown sparks.
  
• Limit the size and number of windows that face large areas of vegetation. The heat from a wildfire can ignite the furnishings inside your home through these windows.
  
• Install tempered glass or multi-layered glazed panels in exterior windows, glass doors and skylights. Or, install solid, exterior shutters.
  
• Bury electrical wires underground.
  
• Use fire-resistant siding.
  
• Prepare for water storage. Develop an external water supply such as a small pond, well or pool.
  

Keep it clean

Of course, your home can't be destroyed by a wildfire if the wildfire never reaches it. Follow these steps to increase the chances of avoiding the flames altogether:

• Make sure the street number of your house is clearly visible and legible from the road.
  
• Create a "defensible space" by removing all dry grass, brush, trees and dead leaves within at least 100 feet from your home.
  
• Plant native, fire-resistive vegetation whenever possible.
  
• Space trees and shrubs at least 10 feet apart. Reduce the number of trees in heavily wooded areas.
  
• For trees taller than 18 feet, prune lower branches within 6 feet of the ground to keep ground fires from spreading into treetops.
  
• Remove all dead branches overhanging your roof and all branches within 15 feet of chimneys.
  
• Enclose the underside of balconies and aboveground decks with fire-resistive or noncombustible materials.
  
• Store firewood at least 100 feet uphill from any structure.
  
• Maintain an emergency water supply within 1,000 feet of your home.
  
• Avoid using bark and wood-chip mulch.
  

Act quickly, but don’t panic

Wildfires can spread quickly, so speed and efficiency are keys to securing your home and your family.

If you have time when a wildfire is approaching:

• Remove flammable materials like trash, furniture and vehicles from around your home.
  
• Shut off the gas.
  
• Be ready to soak roofs, shrubs and trees with water within 15 feet of buildings.
  
• Close all windows and doors, and remove window coverings such as curtains or blinds.
  
• Fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans or other large containers with water.
  
• Disconnect any automatic garage door openers so if the power goes out, you can still open the door.
  

During a wildfire:

• Follow news reports so you know how much danger you're facing.
  
• Keep lights on for visibility in smoky conditions. Distribute flashlights.
  
• If you must evacuate, follow routes dictated by local officials. Wildfires can quickly change directions and your planned escape route may be blocked.
  
  

If you're in a car:

• Roll up the windows and close air vents.
  
• Drive slowly with the headlights on.
  
• If you have to stop, turn the engine off, but keep the headlights on. Get on the floor, and cover up with a blanket.
  
• Don't run. By letting air in the car, the temperature will increase, and smoke and sparks may enter the car.
  
  

If you're caught in the open:

• Go somewhere that is a sparse fuel area such as the backside of a mountain. Avoid canyons and saddles.
  
• If you're close to a road, lie down in a ditch and cover yourself with anything that can protect you from the heat.
  
  

After a wildfire:

• Don't return home until you're told it's safe to do so.
  
• Check roofs and attics for hot spots or sparks and extinguish immediately. Continue checking every few hours for a day.
  
• Use caution when entering a building and avoid all standing water. It may have an electrical charge.
  
• Check over all utilities and consult a professional if damage has been done.

This information is meant to help you make decisions that may reduce your risk. Of course, we can't note every possible risk, and we can’t guarantee that these tips will work for you. However, we hope that if you use some of them, you'll better protect your family and yourself.

Contact your Nationwide insurance agent to make sure you're properly covered if a catastrophe strikes.

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