With the arrival of summer, there is a greater risk of fires. This is the season when it pays to prepare your home ahead of time, in case the worst happens. While we can’t predict just where a fire will burn, there are measures you can take to protect your property, making it less likely to catch fire in the first place. FireSmart Canada is an excellent public resource with valuable information to help you keep your home safe.
FireSmart Canada has released a new Guide for Home Development, focusing on preventive measures for homes. Having a fire-resistant roof can be key to keeping your home safe. Class A materials are the best to use, such as concrete shingles or metal roofs. But don’t forget to keep your gutters clean. Check your roof regularly for areas where debris can accumulate, such as around dormers, eaves or skylights. Keep trees trimmed so that branches don’t hang over your roof.
Consider the type of siding on your home. Vinyl siding is not the best recommendation for this area, or within any wildfire zone, as this material can melt in high heat. Better materials include brick and stucco which are fire-resistant. We love our decks and patios, but when it comes to being FireSmart, wood railings are more susceptible. Other material options are safer such as metal railings or tempered glass.
Yard and garden furniture and accessories can also increase the fire risk to your home. While we all enjoy our time outside lounging in our backyards, keeping furniture, especially wood furniture, as far away from your house as possible could make a big difference. A home which is clear from combustible debris and other objects is less likely to burn in a fire situation.
Fences are made to provide privacy and delineate your property line, but a fire doesn’t discriminate. Wood slat fences have a greater potential of catching fire, embers can fall between the slats. Non-combustible fence material such as brick or metal are great alternatives, just be sure they are placed a minimum of 1.5 meters away from your house.
How you landscape your property is another key way you can protect your home from fires. The best option for plants close to your house are low growing, fire-resistant plants such as purple rock cress or hen & chicks, a hardy, succulent plant. A regularly mowed lawn is considered a fire-resistant lawn, when grass gets out of hand it can easily catch fire.
Protect your home with the newest FireSmart guide, some advance planning and preparation could help save your home in the future. If you happen to be in the market for a cottage, home or condo in and around the Huntsville area, put the care and expertise of The Wearing Parrott Team to work for you. Please call us at 705-788-3535 or email at info@WearingParrottTeam.com today!
This information is taken from sources deemed to be reliable. The Wearing Parrott Team does not guarantee accuracy; we recommend information be validated independently.