House fires are a problem in many places and can be even more of a problem in Southern California.
Between the high density of population and the high risk of wildfire in a Mediterranean climate, it can be hard to keep your home safe.Here are some tips to keep your home safe from fire:
- Follow proper guidelines when burning branches and debris. If you need a burn permit get one. Keep your piles less than four feet in diameter and ten feet from any other flammable material and vegetation, as well as your house. Keep a water supply and shovel close by.
- Create a defensible area around your home. The area between 30 and 100 feet from your home needs to be a reduced fuel zone. Keep plants spaced out, prune low-handing tree branches, and water all vegetation regularly. Do not clear all vegetation, as plants can actually block embers.
- Cover exterior vent openings with hardware cloth to keep out embers.
- Keep the doggy door closed during fire season.
- Keep your roof in good repair and make sure it is constructed from non-flammable materials. Clean your gutters regularly.
- Have a smoke detector and test it monthly. Batteries should be replaced every year, or purchase a detector which runs off the main. Make sure your kids know what the smoke detector sounds like.
- Avoid using candles for light in the event of a power outage.
- Have fire extinguishers available.
- Regularly practice fire drills with your family. Have a meeting point outside the home. Also do an evacuation drill and know where you will go in the event of a wildfire, especially if you have pets or livestock.
- Keep your furnace and stove clean and well maintained. If you have a chimney, it needs to be cleaned regularly.
- Check wiring, including extension cords, and avoid overloading outlets.
Sources:
http://calfire.ca.gov/communications/communications_firesafety_outsidehome
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/5-ways-protect-your-home-wildfires
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness.html
Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash