Wildfires have been becoming increasingly dangerous over the past few decades, covering more acres, burning down more houses, and costing more in order to control them. The devastation they leave behind knows no bounds. Fires are no joke, especially not for homeowners who know fire season is on its way. Being extremely volatile, a fire can burn your entire property within minutes and can even take lives. With the upcoming fire season, it is best to be prepared for it beforehand in order to avoid unnecessary damages.
Impact of Drought On Wildfires
The inconveniences caused by droughts aren’t merely restricted to sparse gardens or shorter showers; it can be damaging for the entire community, especially during the fire season. Wildfires become even more dangerous during droughts. Wet weather decreases the odds of fire because moist vegetables don’t work as fuel, restricting the spread of fire. During dry seasons however, leaves lose their moisture and become the perfect kindle for a fire. The fire thus spreads faster, increasing in intensity, and the scarcity of water makes it difficult to control it. Firefighters take water from oceans, ponds, rivers, or creeks. However, when drought hits a place, these sources lessen and hence render firefighters unable to respond quickly and effectively to tackle the fire.
Tips To Prepare For The Upcoming Fire Season
In order to prepare for the upcoming fire season, follow these useful tips:
Awareness
- Prepare an emergency plan and do regular fire drills. Ensure all family members understand what to do when they discover the fire or hear the fire alarm/signal.
- Be sure to revisit the emergency plan during the fire season, especially if there has been an alert by the authorities on a possible fire coming your way.
- Keep monitoring the news for community warnings instead of waiting for the smell of burning to become your warning. There will really be little you could at that point. It is best to be prepared beforehand.
- Learn about the wildfire warning signals your local community has in place.
- Spread awareness about the dangers of wildfire and importance of being prepared in your community to ensure maximum safety.
Securing Your Home/Property
- Remove all dry or dead vegetation, rubbish, or any other materials which could potentially work as kindle for the fire. Doing this near your home will minimize the likelihood of the fire spreading your way.
- Seal your house before you evacuate. Cover any openings like attic vents, windows, crawlspace openings, etc. place hooks around these openings so that you can quickly place the covers on them, in case of emergency.
- No matter how secure you make your home, when there is an alert of an upcoming fire, it can still damage your home. Always evacuate.
Get Insured
- Many owners protect their homes and properties from fire season through insurance. In such a case, the insurance is a protection program which many homeowners go for in order to protect their asset from risks like natural disasters, floods, and even fires.
- Get a life insurance policy for all family members. In case of an unexpected loss, a life insurance policy can be claimed and the amount will help the other members of the family start their lives in a new direction.
Conquer this upcoming fire season by getting the right insurance from the right people, call us at (760)471-2200 today.