May 1st, 2021, was officially Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, and local events may be held through Oct. 31st. To support this initiative and to help avoid home insurance claims, we’ve provided some tips on wildfire safety and prevention, which will help keep you and your home safe this summer. Wildfire prevention in BC is a big topic, and we hope the tips below will help keep you secure!
Clear Your Roof & Property
Dry leaves or foliage on and around your house are significant hazards during the wildfire season. Wildfires can start and spread quickly! Keep your roof, perimeter drains, and overall property clean and clear. This should be done in the spring before the dry summer season starts.
Trim Back Trees & Shrubs
Trimming back trees and shrubs during the spring is recommended for anyone living in a region at high risk for wildfires during the summer. Trim back any hedges or branches close to your dwelling to reduce the chances of them attracting a wildfire that could quickly spread to your house.
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Rake Out Landscaping Mulch
The mulch around your house and on your property can also attract wildfire. Raking mulch back a few feet from your home is suggested as a safety measure.
Have An Evacuation Plan & Checklist
You’ll want an evacuation plan in mind or mapped out if you need to evacuate your home and neighbourhood quickly because of a nearby wildfire. Having an evacuation checklist of what you need to do and what you need to bring is essential.
Know 2+ Ways Out
If a wildfire in your area gets to where you need to leave the neighbourhood, you’ll want to have an exit plan. Map at least two routes out of your community so you and your family have more than one option—the more route options you map out, the better.
Designate A Meeting Point
You’ll also want to designate a pre-planned meeting point if evacuations are required quickly, and family members get split up. One meeting point option somewhat close to home is good, but it’s also good to have a meeting point further away from your area if you’re forced to evacuate the entire region.
Plan For Pets
If you have any pets, you’ll also want an evacuation plan and checklist for your fur babies. Proper safe transportation, food, water, and medications are the main items that must be considered and remembered if you’re forced to evacuate.
Store Away Outdoor Flammable Items
If a wildfire is anywhere close to your home, you’ll want to bring as many of your outdoor items inside as possible. This is especially true for flammable outdoor items, like patio furniture. Here is the 2021 wildfire prep day toolkit with more tips and info.
Close All Windows & Doors
Ensure all your windows and doors are fully closed to keep any wildfire smoke and embers outside. Even screened doors and windows can still let dangerous smoke inside your home, so close as much as possible.
Screen & Seal Vents or Openings
If possible, it’s also advised to cover up any vents or openings that may allow smoke into your home if possible. This may be trickier than simply closing windows and doors, but it can be worth the effort if it means keeping fire smoke outside and from coming into your home.
Contact An Insurance Professional
If you have any questions about keeping your home safe from wildfires and ensuring your home is covered by any wildfire damage, contact us today to speak to one of our insurance professionals. We’d be happy to help in any way we can, and we can also provide you with free quotes to compare!
Contact us at 1.844.544.4663 and see what makes us Harbord – The Home Insurance People™!
