Homeowners can take steps to prepare for wildfires and stay safe
By Tim Hamilton, LUTCF
Wildfire season is upon us and that makes it an important time to make sure your family is prepared. While there are a number of things homeowners can do to protect their homes from wildfires, they should first make sure they are always ready to evacuate. Homeowners need to be prepared to leave town at any time. They should have a few escape routes mapped out and know where to go.
But, homeowners don’t have to sit around and wait for a wildfire to find them, they can take action to protect their homes. First, they can research the history of wildfires in the area and keep a close eye on the local weather. Other proactive steps homeowners can take to protect their homes include:
- Make sure the house address is clearly visible from the road
- Clear all dry grass, brush, trees and dead leaves within 100 feet from the house
- Look for and plant less-flammable vegetation when possible
- For taller trees, cut off branches growing six feet from the ground and closer
- Cut dead tree branches hanging over roofs and within 15 feet of the chimney
- Cover the underside of balconies and aboveground decks with fire resistant materials
- Keep firewood piles at least 100 feet uphill from any structure
- Store an emergency water supply within 1,000 feet of your home
- Don’t use bark or wood chip mulch
If you know a wildfire is moving toward your home, remove flammable materials including trash, furniture and vehicles. Turn off the gas and close all windows and doors. Remove the window coverings and fill pools, trash cans and other large containers with water. Also, disconnect automatic garage door openers so if the power fails, you can open the door.
Just taking these basis steps can help you protect your family from a wildfire. These basic steps can increase your chances of escaping the disaster with minimal damage.
For more information on preparing for a wildfire, contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 or go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or www.nationwide.com/timhamilton. Hamilton Nationwide Insurance Agency, based in Lexington, KY, provides a full range of insurance products, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, & commercial insurance, as well as fixed and index annuities.
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Posted Wednesday, September 23 2009 11:36 PM
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