Today we will go over some of the things you can do to protect your home while living in our rural and woodsy areas.
1 Gutters. Keep your gutters clean. Embers that would normally not cause a problem can smolder and flash if you leave fuel in your gutters.
2 Branches. Look around your property if you have branches overhanging your property cut the m off. You do not want fire to spread from a branch to your roof
3 Trees and shrubs Make sure your trees are limbed up about 3 feet. This will keep them from torching if a fire reaches their base. Also keep shrubs a few feet from your house. If they catch fire you will not have to worry about them heating your home.
4 Mulch. Pine straw is probably the worst mulch you can use as it will burn quickly. Try bark or chips that can be wet down and hold moisture . Even better is gravel if it works for you.
5 Furniture. If you have a nice outside deck, and who doesn't, take your cushions inside if you are going to be away for a while. The materials in cushions usually burn hot , which can ignite your deck , and in turn ignite your house. So if you are going away take them inside
6 Fuel. There are 3 types of fuel we can talk about. That great wood pile that you are going to use this winter needs to be away from your home. It makes a great fuel. Your propane tank should be shut off if you are going on vacation. If you have one attached to a gas grill , disconnect it and move it inside. The third category is lawn mower grass paint thinners etc etc. Keep them inside away from a potential moving fire.
7 Paddle pool. This is a less obvious one. But if it is empty and near your home the plastic burns really hot. So move it away from your home or leave it full.
None of these tips to protect your home require a ton of work. But all of them can work to save your home.
Comments(2)