How Can I Prepare for a Wildfire Disaster?

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Each year, thousands of acres of woodland and hundreds of homes are destroyed during a fire season that lasts from May to October, and in some areas all year long. If you live in the foothills, grasslands, or mountains, you're at risk!

The growing population in new communities that were once woodland areas is making wildfires even worse. This rapid growth places even greater strain on local firefighting forces, who can't place a fire engine at every home.

Designing and Landscaping Your Home

• Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it.
• Use fire-resistant or non-combustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling, or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking or trim with UL-approved fire-retardant chemicals.
• Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.

Protecting Your Home

• Regularly clear roof and gutters of pine needles, leaves or other debris.
• Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with a non-flammable screen of 1/2 inch or smaller mesh (contact your local fire department for exact specifications).
• Use 1/2-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas and the home itself. Also use this mesh for screen openings to floors, roof and attic.
• Enclose the undersides of balconies and aboveground decks with fire resistive materials.
• Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries two times each year.
• Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher and show them where it's kept. Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
• Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
• Keep household items handy that can be used as fire tools: a rake, ax, handsaw or chain saw, bucket and shovel.
• Place stove, fireplace and grill ashes in a metal bucket, soak in water for two days, and then bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
• Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site. Follow local burning regulations.
• Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.

Creating a Defensible Zone 

To create a defensible zone, remove all dry grass, brush and dead leaves at least 30 to 100 feet around your home. Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet. If your home sits on a steep slope, standard protective measures may not suffice. Contact your local fire department or forestry office for additional information. Here are some additional steps to help reduce potential exposure to flames and radiant heat:

• Regularly rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs.
• Mow grass regularly.
• Clear all flammable vegetation and replace native plants with ornamental landscaping plants that are fire resistive.
• Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures.
• Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs that are within 10 feet of the ground.
• Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Prune tree branches and shrubs within 10 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
• Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.
• Remove vines from the walls of the home.
• Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen over the grill - use non-flammable material with mesh no coarser than 1/4 inch.
• Stack firewood at least 30 to 100 feet away and uphill from your home.
• Clear combustible material within 10 feet of your home.
• Use only safety-inspected and approved wood burning devices.

Maintaining an Emergency Water Supply

Maintain an emergency water supply that meets fire department standards, through one of the following:

• A community water/hydrant system.
• A cooperative emergency storage tank with neighbors.
• A minimum storage supply of 5,000 gallons on your property.
• Clearly mark all emergency water sources and maintain easy firefighter access to these water sources.
• If your water comes from a well, consider an emergency generator to operate the pump during a power failure.

Taking Action When Wildfire Threatens

If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials. Remember, personal safety should always come first!

• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
• Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked.
• Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
• Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
• Arrange temporary housing at a friend's or relative's home outside the threatened area.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Know at least two exit routes from your neighborhood in case of emergency evacuation.
• Wear protective clothing amp; sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face.
• Take your Emergency Supplies Kit.
• Lock your home.
• Tell someone when you are leaving and where you are going.
• Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.
• If you're sure you have time, take steps to protect your home.
• Close windows, vents, doors, Venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings and heavy drapes.

Assembling Emergency Supplies 

When wildfire threatens, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies.  Assemble a disaster supply kit with items you may need if advised to evacuate.  Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffel bags or trash containers.  Include in the kit: 

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day).
• Food that won't spoil
• One change of clothing and footwear per person
• A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
• Emergency tools, including battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of batteries
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks
• Sanitation supplies
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members 
• An extra pair of eyeglasses 
• Important family documents stored in a waterproof container 
• Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car

Replacing Your Roof

Keep these points in mind if you plan to have your existing roofing materials replaced:

• Tile, metal and slate are more expensive roofing materials, but if you need to replace your roofing anyway, it may be worthwhile to pay a little more for the added protection these materials provide.
• Slate and tile can be much heavier than asphalt or wood shingles. If you’re considering switching to one of these heavier coverings, your roofing contractor should determine whether the framing of your roof is strong enough to support them.
• If you live in an area where snow loads are a problem, consider switching to a modern standing-seam metal roof, which will usually shed snow efficiently.
• Check with your local fire department for specific "Roof Class" requirements in your area.

Allstate is committed to helping you make your life, home, auto and family safer. We encourage you to make wildfire preparedness part of your home safety program. Please share the information with family, friends and neighbors. Contact your local Allstate agent for more information on wildfire safety. Special thanks to the California Department of Forestry and Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) for contributions in the development of this material.