A house fire is a scary experience for everyone involved. You never expect a fire to destroy your home, but it’s better to prepare for a disaster than assume it will never happen. As average temperatures on Earth continue to rise, wildfires are becoming more prominent. Plus, even in cooler regions, arson could occur.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep your home and family safe from fires. Here are some tips on how to fire-proof your home to minimize the risk of damage and injuries.
1. Install Smoke Alarms
A cheap and easy defense system for fires is the smoke alarm. As soon as they sense smoke, they alert you to get out of your home. With advanced technology, there are even smart smoke alarms that will send an alert to you even if you’re not home.
Install smoke detectors in every room of your house for the best protection. Ensure you change the batteries once a year to ensure they function properly in case of a fire.
2. Add Fire-Resistant Windows
The typical glass window can easily crack or break with the intense heat from fires. Fire-resistant glass is an easy fix for that, especially when doubled-up. It can resist even the highest wildfire temperatures.
Without fireproof windows, you’re risking a wildfire spreading into your home. It’s a cost-effective option, as well.
3. Landscape to Stop Fires
Did you know that your landscaping could be putting you in danger of a house fire? If there’s a wildfire near your home, the first thing it’s going to reach is your landscaping. You can design your landscaping in a way that prevents a fire from reaching your home.
Make sure dry vegetation is cleared away. Additionally, instead of only having vegetation, opt for concrete or stone landscaping. You can also plant fire-resistant vegetation.
4. Purchase a Fire Extinguisher
A small fire can turn into an unmanageable one very quickly. Having and knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can be the difference between a little bit of fire damage and your whole house being consumed by fire.
Although there are various types of fire extinguishers, a Class A model should work for your home. They work on materials such as wood, cloth, paper, household items, and plastic.
5. Clean Your Chimney
If you have a chimney, regularly clean it. A chimney fire can be devastating for your home, and it’s easily preventable as long as you don’t let creosote build up in it. Creosote is impossible to avoid, but a chimney fire is definitely possible to avoid.
Schedule regular cleanings and maintenance on your chimney. It will allow your chimney to last longer and work as it’s supposed to. Plus, you won’t have to worry about a chimney fire.
6. Consider Fireproof Roofing
Living in a place where you are prone to wildfires can be risky, but there are other ways to fireproof your home to ensure safety. One of those ways is by replacing your roof with fireproof materials.
A roof replacement can be expensive, but it will be worth it for your safety. Common fireproof materials include metal tiles, slate tiles, and clay or concrete tiles.
7. Keep the Exterior Wet
On drier days, days when wildfire possibility is high, or when you know there is a wildfire coming towards your home, you can still keep your home safe. Sparks fly high, so if you have a hose, wet down your roof periodically to put out any sparks.
Additionally, if you have wood around your home anywhere, whether it be a wood pile or a wooden fence, wet it down as well. Make sure it is thoroughly soaked for the best prevention.
8. Exchange Your Doors
Wood doors won’t provide much protection against a raging fire. A fire can come through a wooden door in about 20 minutes. Exchange your doors for ones with a metal core for better fireproofing.
You can also exchange your garage doors. Most garage doors are plastic or wooden, which will burn quickly. Metal doors will provide more protection.
Prevention Is Key
By taking these precautions, you can better prevent a fire from destroying your home. If you live in a region prone to wildfires, consider taking extra precautions in an effort to save your home from fire damage.
Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.
