Wildfire Safety Measures: Before, During, and After

Preparing for the unexpected is essential when it comes to wildfires. At Solomon Safety, we have curated a comprehensive list of tips and precautions to help you stay proactive and protect your property during wildfire events. Whether you’re preparing in advance or responding to an active threat, these measures will ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

Before an Active Wildfire Threat

1. Develop an Evacuation Plan: Create a detailed evacuation plan for your family, including pets. Designate meeting points, establish communication channels, and pack essential items for a swift departure.
2. Provide Access to Firefighters: If your property is gated, ensure that the fire department has easy access. Communicate gate codes and discuss alternative access strategies in case of power outages. Maintain sufficient driveway clearance for emergency vehicles.
3. Enhance Property Visibility: Display your property address prominently with illuminated numbers or contrasting backgrounds. This enables emergency responders to identify your location quickly, especially in low-visibility conditions.
4. Mark Hydrants and Water Sources: Collaborate with your local fire department to identify and mark hydrants and nearby water sources outside your property lines. This information is invaluable during firefighting efforts.
5. Verify Alarm Systems: Regularly inspect and test your home’s alarm systems, including smoke detectors, to ensure they are in optimal working condition. Address any maintenance or replacement needs promptly.
6. Reinforce Windows and Doors: Install windows and doors with dual-paned tempered glass, which offers improved resistance to heat and flames. This measure minimizes the risk of windows breaking from wildfire heat.
7. Fireproof Your Roof: Consult a licensed contractor to retrofit your vents with ember-resistant models. Additionally, consider capping roof tiles with mortar or bird stops to prevent embers from infiltrating your home.
8. Optimize Ventilation Systems: Invest in specialized fire prevention vents, such as those offered by BrandGuard. These vents are designed to resist flames and embers, providing an extra layer of protection for your property.
9. Establish Defensible Space: Take proactive measures to create a defensible space around your property. Clear away debris and maintain appropriate vegetation spacing.
10. Report Fires: If you notice any signs of fire, report it immediately by calling 911. Your timely action can help prevent a small fire from escalating into a larger, more destructive event.

During an Active Wildfire Threat

1. Follow Official Instructions: Stay informed and adhere to the instructions and recommendations provided by emergency officials. If advised to evacuate, leave your home without delay to ensure your safety.
2. Enhance Home Visibility: Increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke by turning on a light in each room. Additionally, switch on exterior lights to aid visibility for emergency responders.
3. Minimize Combustible Materials: Move furniture away from windows and doors, reducing the risk of ignition. Store lightweight or non-fire-resistant window treatments, patio furniture, doormats, toys, and trash cans inside your home or garage. If time permits, clear dead leaves from the vicinity of your home and underneath wood decks. Don’t forget to clear your roof of any pine needles.
4. Facilitate Access for Firefighters: If your property is gated, prop the gate open to enable easy access for firefighters. Connect garden hoses to outside taps, fill buckets with water, and strategically place them around your house. Position a ladder against a corner of your house to provide firefighters with easy access to the roof if needed.
5. Gas Shut-off: Turn off propane at the tank or natural gas at the meter, and extinguish all pilot lights. This precautionary measure helps eliminate potential fuel sources that could contribute to a fire’s spread.
6. Secure Your Home: Close all interior doors and windows to prevent the intrusion of smoke and embers. Verify that all exterior doors, including garage doors, are properly closed.
7. Protect Your Vehicles: Store your vehicles in an enclosed area such as a garage, and ensure all windows and sunroofs are closed. Position your vehicle(s) facing the direction of your escape route, and keep the keys readily accessible. Regularly check the operational status of your vehicles, including battery maintenance if they are seldom driven.
8. Garage Door Accessibility: Disengage your garage door opener to ensure manual operation in case of a power outage. Confirm that you can easily open and close your garage door to facilitate a swift evacuation if necessary.
9. Remove Flammable Window Treatments: Take down any flammable window treatments and replace them with non-combustible alternatives during the wildfire threat. This simple action reduces the risk of these items catching fire and potentially spreading flames to your home.
10. HVAC System Precautions: Close HVAC return vents and registers to prevent smoke and soot from entering your home through the ventilation system. This helps maintain a cleaner and safer indoor environment.
11. Stay Vigilant: Continuously monitor your roof and attic for any signs of embers, smoke, or fire. Even the smallest ember can ignite a blaze, so remain attentive to any potential hazards.

After a Wildfire

1. Proceed with Caution: Exercise caution when returning to your property after a wildfire. Be aware of potential hazards such as weakened structures, smoldering debris, and compromised utilities. Follow the guidance of local authorities regarding re-entry procedures.
2. Assess Property Damage: Take stock of any damage or losses to your property. Document the extent of the damage by taking photographs and making detailed descriptions. This information will be valuable when filing insurance claims.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Notify your insurance provider, such as Solomon Safety, about the wildfire impact on your property. They will guide you through the claims process and provide assistance during the recovery period.
4. Engage Professional Services: Seek the expertise of professionals, such as certified restoration contractors, to assess and restore your property safely. They can address structural integrity, air quality concerns, and any required repairs.
5. Focus on Personal Safety: Prioritize your well-being and that of your family during the recovery phase. Be mindful of potential health risks associated with post-wildfire conditions and follow recommended safety precautions.
6. Remember, at Solomon Safety, we are dedicated to ensuring your safety and providing support during challenging times. By implementing these wildfire safety measures, you can minimize risks, protect your property, and safeguard your loved ones. Stay prepared and stay safe.