(September 23, 2015) The NFPA has recently released seven tips to help reduce the risk of losing homes to wildfires. The goal is to dispel the notion that there is nothing that can be done to increase a home's chance of survival in the event of a wildfire. These tips are centered around defense against stray embers, which account for more than half of homes destroyed during wildfires. The strategies include moving flammable materials away from dangerous areas and sealing any entrance points to the home. For example, mulch and branches should be raked and trimmed to a safe distance away from the house, furniture should be brought inside and all vents, doors and windows should be closed to stop embers from entering.
Watch this video to get the full list of tips from Michele Steinberg, NFPA's Wildland Fire Operations division manager.
While these are not the only things that can be done to guard against home loss, the aim is to provide the public with a basic knowledge of what they can do to protect their property.
For more information about what steps should be taken before, during and after a wildfire, visit NFPA's page on wildfire emergency preparedness.
Original article retrieved here.
