GET FIREWISE! TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM WILDFIRES

In the last decade, wildfires have burned over 80 million acres of land and are a serious threat to lives and property in the U.S – from California to Florida to Tennessee. Now, just in time for National Preparedness Month, the non-profit National Firewise USA Program is teaming up with USAA insurance to share some simple but important ways that homeowners can proactively protect their homes from the threat of a wildfire.
Cathy Prudhomme, National Firewise USA Program Manager with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shares what you can do to increase the chances of saving your home from a wildfire. Join the conversation using the hashtags #USAA and #Firewise or visit usaa.com/help and firewise.org.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ABOUT WILDFIRE PREPS:
FIREWISE USA: What are the benefits of being a Firewise community?
RISK: What areas of the home should a resident focus on in order to reduce their wildfire risk?
EXPENSE: Is it expensive to take steps to make a home safer?
INSURANCE: Important details about covering a home for wildfire damage.

HOMEOWNER CHECKLIST
Wildfires don’t have to destroy everything in their path. Science and research have proven that using Firewise principles in your landscaping can minimize damage and prevent losses. The work you do today can make a difference.

Follow these simple action steps now and throughout the year to prepare and help reduce the risk of your home and property becoming fuel for a wildfire:

» Clear needles, leaves and other debris from the roof, gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This reduces the chances of embers igniting your home.
» To reduce ember penetration, replace or repair loose or missing roof shingles or tiles, and caulk any gaps or openings on roof edges.
» Cover exterior attic vents, and enclose under-eave and soffit vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent embers from entering the home.
» Remove items stored under decks or porches; replace vegetation in these areas with rock or gravel.
» Replace mulch with hardscaping, including rock, gravel or stone. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
» Remove flammable items within 30 feet of all structures including firewood piles, portable propane tanks and dry and dead vegetation.
» Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire so keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, trim it to reduce fire intensity, and don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
» Fire can spread to tree tops. If you have tall trees on your property, prune low hanging branches 6 to 10 feet from the ground and for smaller trees, prune low hanging branches no more than a third of the tree’s height. Remove tall grasses, vines and shrubs from under trees.
» Talk to your neighbors and create a plan for how to address your wildfire safety challenges together.

Related links:  USAA, Firewise.org