The recent Maui fires have been devastating to lives and property. This tragedy serves as a reminder of how vital fire preparedness is. Our Orlando fire protection system installation team offers tips for protecting yourself and your home in a wildfire situation.
Wildfires are dangerous regardless of location, but when they occur in areas designated in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), the destruction they cause can be much more significant. The WUI represents the boundary where undeveloped land meets human development, creating a zone where structures and human activities intersect with natural wildland or vegetative areas.
The National Interagency Fire Center reports that over 70 million properties in the U.S. are at some level of risk from wildfire. Florida is in the top five on the list of states with the greatest number of houses in the WUI. So, what can you do when a wildfire threatens? At DynaFire, you know we love a good checklist, and we have created one covering wildfire safety that you can review tonight. Here are our top tips.
Prepare Your Home
According to Ben Franklin, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and we think he was definitely onto something. DynaFire’s mission is to offer life-saving preventative solutions for your commercial Fire & Life Safety needs. Today, we’re taking fire safety out of the office and into your home so that you and your family can be prepared in case of a wildfire. Make your home more fire resistant by following these guidelines:
- Manage vegetation – Trim trees and shrubs around your property, remove plants with resins, oils, or waxes, and use landscaping material like stone or gravel instead of flammable mulch. And don’t forget to keep your lawn hydrated!
- Consider fire-resistant construction – Choose fire-resistant roofing materials (like composite asphalt, metal, and clay tile), screen attic vents to prevent ember entry, opt for fire-resistant siding materials like brick, fiber-cement, plaster, or stucco, and install dual-pane tempered glass windows.
- Install or update your fire protection system – For homes at risk of wildfires, smoke and fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems can be crucial for safety.
- Have an emergency action plan – Create and practice an emergency action plan, know multiple exit routes from your neighborhood, and have a designated meeting spot.
Prepare In Your Community
You are not alone in your wildfire preparedness. As a community, you and your neighbors can work together to make your area safer from fire.
- Check with your local zoning office to determine your area’s wildfire risk and any applicable ordinances.
- Collaborate with your homeowner association on preparedness guidelines.
- Consult your fire department for wildfire preparation and evacuation plans.
Put Your Plan Into Action
If a wildfire threatens your community, follow these tips to stay safe.
- Stay informed through local media and the fire department, and prepare your family, home, and pets for potential evacuation.
- Store your emergency kit and valuables in your vehicle.
- Relocate outdoor furniture, cushions, mats, and potted plants away from your home.
- Secure your home by closing and protecting openings, such as doors, vents, windows, and pet doors, to prevent embers from entering.
- Connect garden hoses and fill large containers with water for firefighting purposes.
- Evacuate as early as possible, even before official orders, to facilitate firefighting efforts and ensure safety.
After the wildfire risk has diminished, monitor local news, and only return home when you are told it’s safe.
DynaFire Can Help Your Wildfire Preparedness
Our Orlando fire protection system installation team knows the best ways to safeguard your home, property, and family from the threat of wildfire. Check out our blog for more educational information on staying prepared for fire emergencies, and contact our team for all of your commercial fire protection needs.
