Wildfire Preparedness

In recent years, wildfires have become a guaranteed grievance our members face. While we do our best to write business in areas less prone to wildfire, accidents such as rogue fireworks or unforeseeable weather events can and do happen.

Last year, severe late-summer thunderstorms ignited what felt like most of the West Coast, setting off record-breaking wildfire destruction.

While we can’t always predict how destructive the upcoming years’ wildfires will be, we can control our level of preparedness to mitigate damage. Below is a summarized list of best practices we recommend for all our members. (For a complete list, please visit NFPA.org or firewise.com.) Whether by yourself or as a family, you can help make your property and your neighborhood much safer this upcoming wildfire season.

• Clear leaves, dead vegetation, and other materials from gutters, eaves, porches, and decks and within 10 feet of your property’s structures such as detached garages, shops, sheds, and barns.

• Screen in areas below patios or decks with wire mesh to prevent debris from accumulating underneath.

• Store firewood and propane tanks safely away.

• Unless under drought restrictions, keep your lawn well-hydrated and maintained.

• Create an emergency plan. (This consists of two exit routes out of your neighborhood and packing a supply kit with documents and medicine.)

• Get your neighbors involved!