Have you ever wondered why one home survived a natural fire? The answer lies in the material choices, design, maintenance considerations and installation options that can increase the odds of a home surviving a natural fire. The importance of hardening a home to withstand fire exposure cannot be overemphasized, it doesn’t have to be costly; all it requires is a proper understanding of the risks associated with exposing your home to a natural fire.
Here are some ways to make your home and property more resistant in case of a natural fire:
Remove Debris and seal all openings
Make sure you remove debris and seal all openings in which fire can enter your home. By so doing, you are preventing the possibility of any parts of your house to allow blowing embers from a nearby forest fire from entering your home. Also check your roof, if necessary repair loose and damaged shingles. It’ll equally be a great idea to use grout to seal open portions of a barrel type roof.
Vegetation
More so, regularly clear vegetation, leaves, and debris from gutters and eaves. Pay rapt attention and vigilance during the fire season, summer or any dry months. You might want to make use of fireproof metal mesh screens to conceal open areas on your attic vents, exterior vents, and under the porch and patio.
Windows
A good way to keep your property safe is to install or upgrade to multi-pane tempered glass windows. Make sure that all surrounding vegetation outside the window is removed. If you happen to live by a building or neighboring home that is within
30 – 40 feet of your home; it’ll be good for you to install non-inflammable shutters to cover your windows with temporary plywood covers prior to an evacuation.
Heating Systems
Great consideration should be taken in the choice of heating systems, this will not affect the survival of your home in a natural fire, but it might affect the extent to which your home is a fire hazard. Heating a building with a wood-burning stove or furnace can potentially increase the occurrence of fire hazards. The risk of a hazard occurring is heightened when the chimney is not insulated and is devoid of spark arresters. Regularly cleaned chimneys and Spark arresters will considerably reduce the possibility of starting a fire.
Grow Fire-Resistant Plants
Did you know that many common plants naturally resist fire and can keep fire from spreading? Interestingly, well-watered green plants burn slowly. Consider the following when selecting good plants; go for plants that have little oil content, and leaves that can stay moist for a lengthy period of time. You might want to visit your local garden for expert advice and more information.
Finally, you need to be careful when spending time outdoors. Teach and train your children about fire safety measures, and include them in your disaster planning to emphasize how real and dangerous natural fires can be. It only takes one spark to start a natural fire that can wreak havoc and cause irreparable damages in a community. Be prepared at all times and remember that failure to be prepared could have devastating results. A careful application of these steps could protect you, your family and the community in which you live.
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