11 Tips for Preparing for Wildfire Season

<img src="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/Article_Webp/gutter-HSR-Image-2020-06-17-at-10.59.30-AM.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: ;width: "/> We’ve compiled this list of tips to help you prepare for the threat of wildfire and the presence of wildfire smoke in your community.  <ol> <li>Be vigilant about sparks. Most wildfires are caused by humans. A stray spark from a lawnmower or an improperly extinguished cookout can lead to a wildfire.</li> <li>Inspect your roof. Wildfire typically damages homes when embers land on the roof. Clear out any debris in your gutters and cut back branches that overhang your roof.</li> <li>Inspect crawl space or attic screens. During a wildfire, wind can blow embers into your attic or crawl space if the protective screens aren’t properly in place.</li> <li>Remove easily combustible plants located near your home. Juniper, bamboo and rosemary are known for easily catching fire, and juniper’s oils will actually exacerbate flames.</li> <li>Choose fire-resistant plants for your landscape. No plant is fireproof, but many species are better at resisting ignition than others. Such varieties include French lavender, sumac and aloe.</li> <li>Get rid of any mulch adjacent to your home. Mulch dries out quickly in hot weather and can easily ignite in wildfire conditions.</li> <li>Construct a wall. If your yard is sloped, a retaining wall can slow down the wind and reduce the spread of wildfire.</li> <li>Prepare for rolling blackouts. PG&E will schedule grid shutdowns when there’s a strong risk to power lines. Be sure to turn off major appliances before a shutdown to prevent a power surge when electricity returns.</li> <li>Replace your air filters regularly. Wildfire smoke can cause dangerous levels of air pollution. A clean home air filter is an important first line of defense against harmful particles.</li> <li>Invest in air purifiers. A portable air purifier can help improve indoor air quality during smoky conditions. For those with greater health concerns, a whole-house air purification system may be worth the cost.</li> <li>Protect your car. Ash from wildfire smoke can damage your car’s exterior. If you can’t park your car in a covered area, clean off ash as soon as possible using a hose with strong water pressure.</li> </ol> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-county-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Fire & Water Damage Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/alameda-county-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">Alameda County Fire & Water Damage Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-mateo-county-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">San Mateo County Fire & Water Damage Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-county-water-fire-damage-restoration/" target="_self">San Francisco Fire & Water Damage Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/water-fire-damage-restoration/ca/sonoma-county/" target="_self">Sonoma County Fire & Water Damage Contractors</a>  Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Water-Fire-Damage-Restorations/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Water & Fire Damage</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>