Protect Your Country Home from a Wildfire
Recently, we’ve seen the damaging effects of a wildfire across the nation. They can start suddenly and spread rapidly without warning. That’s why it’s important to always be prepared and have an active plan in place.
Here are a few ways that you can keep your home and family safe from a disaster.
- Replace your roof. By using non-flammable materials like asphalt shingles, metal, or tile, it could keep your home from igniting. For a cheaper option, put fire retardant on your current roof. (Side tip: make sure your gutters are always clean to keep twigs, pine needles and other flammable items from catching on fire).
- Keep your yard free of debris. Clean up any trash, dead limbs or leaves from your yard, particularly close to your home.
- Create a safe space. In an intense wildfire, your home can ignite from up to 100 feet away. The area from your home to this area should be safeguarded, which means keeping plants spread apart, trees should be pruned and everything should be watered regularly. Keep in mind to keep the space wide enough that firefighters can get in the area.
- Install or check smoke detectors. Inside the home is just as important as the outside. Make sure your home has working smoke detectors in every room and at least one working fire extinguisher.
On average, wildfires burn more than four to five million acres and hundreds of homes in the U.S. every year. By having a plan in place and taking all of the extra precautions, hopefully, your property won’t be part of that statistic.
United Country Real Estate specializes in country homes, homes with acreage, ranchland, farmland, mountain property and more across the United States. To learn more about what you can do to protect your home, to sell your current property or purchase your next home, contact one of our professionals today. Find an agent near you at www.UnitedCountry.com.
Sources:
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/5-ways-protect-your-home-wildfires
https://homeslandcountrypropertyforsale.com/ranches/ranching-news/protecting-ranch-wildfires/