How to Keep Your Home Safe During Fire Season
Summer can put your home at risk. High temperatures and little rain create ideal conditions for wildfires.
Wind-driven embers are the biggest threat to homes during a wildfire, so preventative measures involve defending against them:
- Move sheds and woodpiles 30 feet from the main structure, creative a “defensible area”
- Trim trees and shrubs that are close to the home or overhanging the roof
- Keep your lawn well hydrated and maintained
- Replace or repair loose or missing shingles
- Clean leaves and twigs from gutters, eaves and porches
You also should have an emergency plan in place before disaster strikes. Sit down and talk with your entire family about what to do if a wildfire approaches. Some tips:
- Teach your children about fire and to respect it.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide monitors; test and maintain your alarms.
- Make an escape plan with at least two ways out of each room, and practice it.
- If you have family members that are unable to escape unassisted, consider installing a residential sprinkler system.
- Review your insurance policies, complete a personal property inventory.
Stay safe, and talk with your AAA Insurance agent today about better protecting your home, car and so much more. Call, request information online, or contact an insurance agent near you to review your insurance needs. Call 877-AAA-INSURE (1-877-222-4678)
