Harden Your Home

 

Wildfires can ignite building with flying sparks and embers that get blown inside attics, under houses or on wood shingle roofs; by direct flames that will ignite walls with vegetation growing on them or from debris piles up along the wall; or through radiant heat, that can crack or break windows and embers to blow into the house.

Roof – most vulnerable surface for embers to land

• Use fire resistant materials on roof
• • Composition
  • Metal
  • Tiles
• Clean rain gutters and roof of leaf debris regularly
• Remove branches that hang over roof

Vents and Eves – embers gather under eves or in through vents and ignite combustible materials

• Close eaves and vents with 1/8” metal screens – keeps embers out of attic
• Use baffled attic vents

Deck/Balconies – embers collect on or under decks and balconies

• Enclose underside of decks, balconies and foundation of home- enclose with solid flame resistant sheeting
• Use non-flammable construction material
• Use fire resistant decking surface
• Keep deck clear of combustible items, such as, baskets, debris and dried plants
• Use fire resistant outdoor furniture

Windows – extreme heat from fire can cause windows to break and allow embers in the house

• Install double paned window with tempered glass for windows and skylights
• Seal up gaps in windows and doors, including garage

Exterior Walls – build or remodel with fire resistant materials

• Cement
• Brick
• Stucco
• Masonry
• Remove plants that climb up house and under eves