Hardening your home with fire-resistant materials will help keep your home from igniting from potential embers. Siding and wood will burn more easily than stucco, fiber cement or other resistant materials. Wood and shingle roofs more susceptible to catching fire. If you need a new roof, consider metal or tile. Glass can crack and break if it reaches a hot enough temperature. Using tempered glass and double paned windows can help maximize protection and protect against embers and smoke.
Cover Openings
During a wildfire, close and protect openings including attics and basement doors, vents and windows. Remove flammable drapes and curtains and replace with non-combustible drapes. Leave windows unlocked incase fire rescue needs to make a quick entry.
Have an Evacuation Plan
Each person in the house should have multiple exit strategies. If the primary exit is compromised, then each individual has other options for getting out of the house safely. If your home has a second floor, fire ladders need to be readily accessible. Basements should have at least one exit through a door or window.
Frankly wildfires can happen at any time and for any reason. During the summer, when wildfires are more likely, fire restrictions are meant to prohibit the use of fire for recreational purposes. From campfires to fireworks, high winds can blow embers quickly and up to a mile. So just because a wildfire can be far away, with the right weather conditions, embers can move rapidly, causing a lot of destruction.
Unfortunately, many insurance policies do not provide adequate coverage to help homeowners, renters and business owners recover their losses from wildfire damage. Wildfires can cause more than just property damage and you should be compensated for all of your losses. If you or a loved one was burned in a fire, your injuries might not be fully covered. This is where a personal injury and property damage attorney can help.
If you have questions regarding your rights, contact our office. We offer free consultations where we will discuss your options and work to provide you with a clear plan of action. As residents of southern Utah, we love our home. We want to protect it and help you in your time of need. Call us today.
