Different Ways To Fireproof Your Home

Oregon authorities and experts described the wildfires as unprecedented, leaving a painful trail of destruction across a wide swath of the state. So now, it’s very important to know how to avoid having your house on fire. Here are some ways on how you could fireproof your home:

Start With Your Yard

While fire is a natural way for nature to get rid of litter on the forest floor or on a prairie, it can be scary if it comes near your home. Start by looking at your yard.

Remove any dry vegetation

In the spring and fall especially, there can be a lot of dead weeds. If they can’t be removed, at least thoroughly wet them down.

Move or trim branches of highly flammable trees

If you have conifers (pines or firs), you might want to move them or at least trim branches up off of the ground. Conifers contain sap that is highly flammable and can add to an already raging fire.

Surround your home with fire resistant plants

Eastern Redbud, Live Oak, Sycamore, Yucca, Agave, Salvias, and Lavender are some of the fire resistant plants that you could place near your home. Check this blog about fire-resistant landscaping that will not only protect your home from the wildfire, but will also beautify it. But take note: not all plants are suited for all areas s be sure to check if these plants will grow in your area.

Check your lawn

Most lawns will go dormant in the winter, leaving dry grass on the surface. Keep it cut short and water well if there is a fire in your area.

Fireproof Your Home Itself

It’s not only having your surrounding be fireproofed, but most importantly your home itself. So here are some simple tips you need to know in order to save your house from fire:

Always wet down the roof

Flying sparks and embers can grab hold of your roof easily. If it is wet, this will help to extinguish flying sparks.

Wet down any wood on the outside of the home

In a fast moving fire, this can help to keep flames from catching on wood. This includes doorways, window frames, decks, and porches. Don’t just spray over the top – wet them down thoroughly.

Consider tile or metal roofing

When/if replacing a roof, choose the tile/metal type of roof. Both of these resist fire. They can be expensive to start, but they last for many years.

Consider using brick or stone for your home’s exterior

Cedar shakes might look great, but are very flammable in a fire. At the very least, finish the bottom part of your home in brick or rock.

Use fire retardant paints

One very simple fix is to add sand to the paint. You will have a rough texture, but it may help save your home.

Some More Ways To Fireproof Your Home

Not only that these detectors would save your life (when a fire is lit), but would also somehow save you from being anxious and paranoid over the wildfire spreading around you.

Get your home a smoke detector and check them when necessary

If a stray spark should hit your roof and take hold, a smoke detector can save your life. Change the batteries at least twice a year and test them once a month.

Get a fire extinguisher

If sparks are present, you can easily put them out right away.

Pick up any trash around your home

An empty cereal box that fell out of the trash can is perfect for keeping a fire going. Keep them in the trash or recycling.

Move your lawnmower and fuel

If fires are nearby, put these to the garage or basement. This could be a very dangerous thing. If you don’t have a place to store them, move them away from the house. An explosion could occur from the gas if a fire would come in contact with it.

Be careful where you smoke

If you do smoke, be sure to put your butts out completely before tossing them. An old can with sand or water works well.

Don’t use barbecue and fire pits 

Don’t try to use these type of cooking equipment if the weather is very dry because the tendency is if a fire is near your home and it came contact with either of these, there will be a bigger fire that could turn down your home in just minutes.

Take photos of the inside and outside of your home

This can help with insurance claims if a fire should strike.

Bottom Line

These tips are not a guarantee that your home will be safe from fire, especially if it’s a raging fire and it’s coming right to your doorstep. These ways are only for fireproofing and not all the time that it would work.

If everything comes down and your life is in danger, get out! Your life is more valuable than your home.

If you feel like your current home is not safe anywhere from wildfire, we’d love to help you out in finding a new one. Call our local realtor, Cody Tuma, at 541-306-3139 today!

Stay safe out there, Oregonians! Keep safe from the wildfire.