5 key areas around the home you must examine when assessing wildfire risk
Learn 5 key areas around your home to inspect when assessing your property’s wildfire risk. — Conduct your home risk assessment on Wildfire Prep Day. Learn more at https://www.wildfireprepday.org
This video was published by the National Fire Protection Association.
Key Areas you must examine to protect your home from wildfire risk
- Maintain Defensible Space (0–5 feet)
Use noncombustible materials such as gravel, brick, or concrete in this critical area adjacent to your home.
- Reduce Siding Risks
Maintain 6-inch ground-to-siding clearance, and consider noncombustible siding.
- Clean Debris from Roof
Regularly remove debris from your roof, since debris can be ignited by wind-blown embers.
- Use a Class A Roof Covering
Class A fire-rated roofing products offer the best protection for homes.
- Clean Out Gutters Regularly
Keep debris out of gutters since debris can be ignited by wind-blown embers. If used, gutter covers should be noncombustible.
- Reduce Fence Risks
Burning fencing can generate embers and cause direct flame contact to your home. Use noncombustible fences and gates.
- Keep Embers out of Eaves and Vents
Use 1/8-inch mesh to cover vents, and box-in open eaves to create a soffited eave.
- Protect Windows
Use multi-pane, tempered glass windows, and close them when a wildfire threatens.
- Reduce Deck Risks
At a minimum, use deck boards that comply with California requirements for new construction in wildfire-prone areas, remove combustibles under deck, and maintain effective defensible space.
- Maintain Defensible Space (5–30 feet)
Remove shrubs under trees, prune branches that overhang your roof, thin trees, and remove dead vegetation. Move trailers/RVs and storage sheds from area, or build defensible space around these items.
