How to prepare your home for wildfire

Wildfires have increased in both frequency and size over the past few decades, and scientists at the climate department of the planet’s temperature have been cited as the cause. Sadly, the recent fires in Hawaii that were caused by lightning show the speed at which wildfires can destroy a community. While the initial cause may have been a faulty power line, Hawaii is now experiencing a severe drought that, when combined with the nearby hurricane’s wind, led to the rapid worsening of the fire.

Overall, the U.S. suffered a total of $4.4 billion in wildfire costs between 2022 and October 2023. Whether or not you live in a high-risk state, understanding the safety of wildfires and how to prevent your home from being damaged by a wildfire is now more important than ever before. Below, the editorial team created a simple protocol that can be followed to help you preserve your home, your finances and your property during wildfires.

How to prepare your home for wildfire

Even if you live in a wildfire-prone region, there are actions you can take to decrease the probability of destroying your home. Preparing your home for the wildfire season may reduce the damage that would occur in the event of a fire.

Create a space that is defendable.

Defensible space is a designated area around a building that is intended to slow the progression of wildfire by decreasing the danger of fire. Defensible space is composed of three different areas, which are defined by their distance from your residence. Below, the editorial team responsible for insurance provides advice on how to preface each zone with the greatest degree of fire resistance possible.

Zone 1

Zone 1 covers the ground that is 5 feet or more from your residence. This area may include landscaping, shrubbery, gutters, roofing and windows. You can generally expect to spend the most time on fire-proofing Zone 1, this is because it contains the greatest amount of items.

To create a defensible area that decreases the risk of wildfire in Zone 1, you may want to do this:

• Use materials that are not flammable like stone and cement.
• Don’t keep tanks of propane near or beneath your residence.
• Install a Class A-rated roof.
• Use safer versions of windows, with multiple pane tempered glass, and screened windows that prevent the inhalation of flaming embers.

Zone 2

Zone 2 encompasses the property that is 5-30 feet away from the home. Common hazards in this region include yard plants, dried leaves and landscaping.

You can contribute to the mitigation of fire dangers in Zone 2 by:

• Remove the vegetation and debris from your yard and replace them with fresh leaves and cover crops.
• Establishing materials that do not burn as a supplement to your house’s foundation.
• Spreading mulch over your landscaping.

Zone 3

Zone 3 covers ground that is 30-100 feet away from the house.

In this region, you may want to consider:

• Utilizing a strategy that employs landscaping to create firebreaks via walls, paths and flowerbeds composed of stone.
• The establishment of landscapes that are drought-resistant.
• The planting of fire-resistant trees like hardwoods.

What initiates fires?

Around 85 percent of the wildfires in the U.S. are caused by human activity. For example, wildfires are typically caused by abandoned campfires, bonfires, cigarette butts, arson or equipment failure. Additionally, fires can be triggered by natural occurrences like lightning strikes and increased during heat waves and droughts.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service states that the fire season has increased in length from around four months to six to eight in recent years. Even wildfire outbreaks that occur during the winter are noted.

The season of fire has become more combative and erratic. Many climate scientists acknowledge that the planet has increased by approximately 2 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of the 20th century, this is primarily caused by the increase in temperature since 1880. The policy of suppressing fires since the 1930s also led to an excess of fuel that contributed to the current state of wildfires. Other consequences of climate change that lead to an increase in wildfires are:

• Spring snows are more likely to melt in the winter.
• Later on, rain will arrive during the fall.
• Extended drought
• The proliferation of species that are easily flammable, like cheatgrass, is detrimental.

Figure out if your home is in a high-risk zone.

In America, 4.5 million homes are vulnerable to wildfires at high or extreme risk. The area of geographic you reside is one of the most significant predictors of your home’s fire risk. Despite the notoriety of California’s devastating fires, the majority of the U.S. experience wildfire danger. In 2022, Alaska was the worst offender of the year, as many of its properties were destroyed by wildfire.

States with temperate climates that are hot and dry, such as California and Texas, are ideal for wildfires, but the climate isn’t the sole factor. Homes that are situated within 2,500 feet of canyons, wildfire areas or brush areas are more likely to be affected by an ignite, this is particularly true during the hot, dry seasons. Online tools, such as the First Street Foundation’s Fire Factor model, can assist you in determining if your home is susceptible to wildfire.

The top 10 states with the greatest number of acres destroyed in 2022 are:

1. Alaska
2. New Mexico
3. Texas
4. Oregon
5. Idaho
6. Oklahoma
7. California
8. Washington
9. Florida
10. Montana

Select each state below to see the total number of acres destroyed by wildfires in 2022.
If you’re living in a wildfire-prone region, your insurance cost will probably be higher as well. For instance, If you take out wildfire insurance in California, you will probably spend more than a regular homeowner in Maine. In some instances, homeowners may be denied coverage under their standard home insurance policy and must instead purchase a stand-alone policy. This may be triggered if your home were faraway from the nearest fire department, for example.

How to plan for the wildfire season

Wildfires can travel at a fast rate. Creating a plan about what you would do in the event of a fire may serve to calm and protect you during an emergency.

• Create a plan to evacuate with your family. Discover meeting locations and alternative escape routes.
• Create a list of inventory homes. Keep a written record of everything you have and their values, this will provide evidence of loss and will speed up your claim in the event of a wildfire.
• Create a emergency kit: Gather essential drugs, non-perishable food, water, animal food, flashlights and a portable radio.

Is it covered by insurance that wildfire is damages?

A typical homeowners insurance policy includes coverage for wildfire, but this may not be extended to high-risk areas of wildfire. Wildfires are also known by different names depending on where you live. Home insurance typically also covers forest fires and brush fires as well. If you live in a high-risk area, some providers of insurance do not include wildfire protection in the standard HO-3 policy. In this instance, you may need to create a standalone policy regarding fireworks with a private insurance company or through a state program. You may also need to pay more money than homes in areas that don’t have a lot of wildfire danger.

As a homeowner with a significant risk in the home, the majority of insurance experts recommend keeping a consistent home insurance policy. Many home insurance companies have moratoriums preceding anticipated disasters, so having coverage in advance of a wildfire may be crucial.