Protect your home before wildfire season
Wildfire preparation is most useful before an alert. The first jobs are simple: remove fuel near the house, make access clear, and know what you will do if an evacuation alert becomes an order.
Start at the building
Clean gutters, roof valleys, decks and vents. Embers are a major threat during wildfires. A clean, non-combustible immediate zone gives a structure a better chance.
Then work outward
- Move firewood and propane away from buildings.
- Prune branches away from roofs and decks.
- Keep grass short and remove deadfall.
- Store patio cushions and doormats during extreme fire weather.
Equipment
Extinguishers, pumps, tanks and sprinklers can be useful, but they are not a substitute for evacuation orders or professional firefighting. Buy equipment you know how to operate and maintain.