Wildfires cause rampaging damage to vegetation and can be a threat to lives and property. California Wildfires are notorious during summers when drought is at extreme levels. The National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) data shows that about 37.3 million (or more than 90%) of the California population are affected by drought. Coupled with the fact that 2021 has been the 11th driest year in 127 years and about 49% of the state's land is categorized as being exceptionally dry, wildfires prevalence across the state has been worse.
As of August 18, 2021, ten fires were active, had burned more than a million acres of land, and were far from containment. The California Wildfire map shows that most blazes concentrate in the northern part of California. The largest is the Dixie fire, which lately has posed a threat to Westwood and Janesville communities. Altogether, the Antelope Fire, Monument Fire, McFarland Fire, and Caldor Fire have attracted new evacuation orders this week as they swept near homesteads.
Well, statistics aside, the most critical piece of information you would want to have is how to get ready and protect yourself, loved ones, and property before the fire can reach your area. This guide provides ideas of what to do before, during, and after the wildfires for any year they may happen. Ready? Let's get started!
Preparing Before the Wildfire Arrives in Your Area
1. Protecting Your Home
- Eliminate flammable materials from your home
Collect and dispose of leaves, dry vegetation, or debris at least 30 feet off your home compound. Ensure that your gutters, eaves, decks, and porches are cleared of these materials to prevent embers from kindling the house. You also don't want trees hanging over your chimney or in contact with electrical wires, which can increase the chances of fire catching the house.
- Seal open places the fire can enter through
Use wire mesh to cover areas below decks and patios to deter any further accumulation of combustible materials. Also, check the rooftop for any holes/gaps or debris the embers can use to penetrate the home or light up the fire. If you discover missing or loose shingles or tiles, it's important to call a roofing contractor ASAP for repairs or replacement.
- Take care of combustible products.
If you have propane tanks or stacks of firewood outside the home, they can fuel the fires. Store highly flammable materials in approved fireproof containers and keep them away from areas where they can easily get ignited by sparks or embers.
Maintain your lawn
Dry or unkempt lawns can be fuel for wildfires. Regularly trim and hydrate your lawn and ensure the cuttings, grass, and shrubs disposal is far away from home.
Cover exterior attic vents, soffit vents, and enclose the under-eave with metal wire mesh to deter sparks from penetrating your home.During the Wildfires
1. What to Expect
2. What to Do: Emergency preparedness
What to Do After the Wildfires
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