These 10 tips are designed to prepare you and your property for one of nature’s most devastating disasters.

Although it may seem strange, wildfires occur naturally. In fact, some ecosystems depend on wildfires to help maintain their habitats. In areas where this occurs, fires are nature’s way of promoting plant and wildlife diversity. Unfortunately, wildfires have become a problem in recent years for a number of reasons, not the least of which is increased population—especially in non-urban areas. As the climate continues to change and the landscape is developed, these naturally occurring wildfires are inclined to burn hotter and faster. This often means big property losses in wildlife-prone areas. Fortunately, the following tips will help you prepare your property and loved ones for a potential wildfire disaster:

1. Conduct a thorough outdoor safety check before purchasing land or property in a rural area. Since wildfire travels uphill rapidly, locate your home away from downhill slopes.
2. Ensure that the area where you live has adequate public fire protection and that the emergency vehicles can access your property and water sources.
3. Select a roof that is made of fire-resistant or non-combustible materials. Untreated wood shake roofs are the leading cause of property loss from wildfires.
4. Create a buffer or safety zone around your home by clearing away vegetation. This not only slows the rate and intensity of a wildfire as it approaches your home, but it provides easy access for emergency vehicles. Ideally, the safety zone should be 30 to 50 feet wide.
5. Make sure fire-fighting tools, ladders and garden hoses are easily and readily accessible.
6. Stack and store firewood away from your home.
7. Keep landscaping well pruned and remove leaves and other debris from your gutters and roof.
8. Cover vents with wire mesh to ensure that sparks don’t enter the house.
9. Water the landscaping around your home on a regular basis.
10. Get rid of trash promptly and soak fireplace or grill ashes in water prior to disposing.

ABCO Fire Protection, is a regional provider of fire protection services in Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
ABCO provides fire safety products that protect life and property.