With all the fires we have been having lately, I thought this would be a good time to post some common sense guidlines to reduce your risk from wildfire.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FR047
Fireproofing Your Home
Sparks from a fire may be pushed far ahead of the flames, and heat from the advancing fire can raise the temperature of building materials. You can make your home more fireproof by using fire-resistant or retardant building materials. Homes constructed with brick, masonry, or metal walls and an asphalt, tile, or metal roof are much less flammable than those that use wood siding or shingles. Vinyl siding may partially melt if exposed to high temperatures. If wood or another combustible material is used in the roof, siding, shutters, decks, or trim it can be treated with UL-approved fire-retardant chemicals to reduce (but not eliminate) the likelihood of ignition. Tempered glass will help prevent window shattering and fire-resistant drapes can keep embers from entering through windows. Openings under floors and into roofs and attic space should be covered with metal screens.
Whatever your home construction, other precautions can help fireproof your home:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FR047
Fireproofing Your Home
Sparks from a fire may be pushed far ahead of the flames, and heat from the advancing fire can raise the temperature of building materials. You can make your home more fireproof by using fire-resistant or retardant building materials. Homes constructed with brick, masonry, or metal walls and an asphalt, tile, or metal roof are much less flammable than those that use wood siding or shingles. Vinyl siding may partially melt if exposed to high temperatures. If wood or another combustible material is used in the roof, siding, shutters, decks, or trim it can be treated with UL-approved fire-retardant chemicals to reduce (but not eliminate) the likelihood of ignition. Tempered glass will help prevent window shattering and fire-resistant drapes can keep embers from entering through windows. Openings under floors and into roofs and attic space should be covered with metal screens.
Whatever your home construction, other precautions can help fireproof your home:
- Remove pine needles and other flammable debris from your roof and gutters and from under decks and floors.
- Maintain landscape clearings around your home (see Figure 1 ).
- Stack firewood at least 50 feet from your home.
- Store flammable materials and liquids in approved safety containers in a safe location 30 to 50 feet from your home.
- Have a water source accessible to fire fighters. Consider capturing rainwater from your roof in a cistern or sharing an emergency storage tank with your neighbors. A minimum of 2,500 gallons is helpful. Clearly label the emergency water sources and keep access to the tank open.
