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Many homeowners face the risk of wildfires, which are sometimes triggered by lightning or accidents but can also be caused by arson or even a backyard fire that gets out of control. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Some homes survive, but unfortunately, many others do not. Those that survive almost always do so because their owners had prepared for fire. Reduce your risk by preparing now to protect your family, home, and property.

Preparing Your Home for a Wildfire

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of a fire.

  • Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind. Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it.
    • Use fire-resistant or noncombustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of your house, or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking or trim with fire-retardant chemicals.
    • Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.
  • Regularly clean your roof and gutters; remove any debris that could catch fire.
  • Inspect your chimneys at least twice a year, and clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with a spark arrester.
  • Install mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas and the home itself to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating. You should also cover openings to floors, roofs and attics with mesh screens to prevent sparks and embers from entering your home.
  • Install a dual-sensor smoke alarm on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test it every month and change the batteries at least once each year.
  • Teach your family members how to use a fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it’s kept.
  • Keep household items available that can be used as fire tools, such as rake, axe, handsaw or chain saw, bucket and shovel.
  • Keep a ladder that will reach the roof in case a family member ends up on the roof of a burning house.
  • Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
  • Move flammable items away from the house and outside of your defensible space, including woodpiles, lawn furniture, barbecue grills, tarp coverings, etc.

Plan Your Water Needs

  • Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source, such as a small pond, cistern, well, swimming pool or hydrant.
  • Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.
  • Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other structures on the property.
  • Consider obtaining a portable gasoline-powered pump in case electrical power is cut off.

It is recommended that you create a 10- to 30-metre safety zone around your home. Within this area, you can take steps to reduce potential exposure to flames and radiant heat. Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 30 metres. If your home sits on a steep slope, standard protective measures may not be enough. Contact your local fire department or forestry office for additional information.

  • Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation. Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures.
  • Thin a 5-metre space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 5 metres of the ground.
  • Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
  • Prune tree branches and shrubs within 5 metres of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
  • Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.
  • Remove vines from the walls of the home.
  • Mow grass regularly.
  • Clear a 3-metre area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen over the grill, made of nonflammable material with mesh.
  • Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site. Follow local burning regulations.
  • Place stove, fireplace and grill ashes in a metal bucket and soak them in water for two days, then bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
  • Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place the cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
  • Stack firewood at least 30 metres away and uphill from your home. Clear combustible material within 6 metres of a woodpile.
  • Review your homeowner’s insurance policy and prepare or update a list of your home’s contents.

Follow Local Burning Laws

  • Before burning debris in a wooded area, make sure you notify local authorities and obtain a burning permit.
  • Use an approved incinerator with a safety lid.
  • Create at least a 3-metre clearing around the incinerator before burning debris.
  • Have a fire extinguisher or garden hose on hand when burning debris.

In addition to insuring your home, we are committed to helping you and your loved ones stay safe when disaster strikes. Should you need to contact Fire or Police, please call 911 in case of emergency or the RNC Non-Emergency at 709-729-8000 or St. John’s Fire Department at 709-758-3229

Author Jamie Ross

Jamie Ross leads the Marketing and Communications team at Wedgwood Insurance, renowned as one of Atlantic Canada’s premier independent insurance brokers. Bringing a wealth of experience amassed over many years at some of Canada's most esteemed advertising agencies, Jamie transitioned to the insurance industry in 2017. This pivotal move has marked a period of significant professional growth and contribution to the field. A native Nova Scotian, Jamie has been a resident of St. John's, NL, since 2011, where he has become an integral part of the local community. Learn more about Jamie.

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