Just how safe is your cozy home during the wildfire season in fall and winter? If you aren’t sure, you shouldn’t wait another minute to think about fire mitigation. These measures can help you protect everything from furniture and appliances to sentimental photos and irreplaceable memorabilia in the event of a fire – and, of course, the loved ones who share your home!
According to the National Weather Service, the state of Colorado undergoes 2,500 of those awful wildfires annually, with most occurring from the middle of June to early September. If you’re in El Jebel, the local wildfire average falls far below this state average. Even so, there’s still a real risk as the weather turns chilly.
As a qualified tree service in El Jebel, CO, fire mitigation is a regular conversation we have at Grow Green Now LLC. Let’s see what you can do to stay safe with measures in the yard and more.
Reasons for Higher Fall and Winter Fire Risks
El Jebel only receives about 16 inches of rainfall annually, which is 22 inches less than the nationwide average. The area’s vegetation dries out with these lower humidity levels in the winter and fall, which easily turns the plants to kindling. Throw in the winter winds, and it’s hardly surprising that fire can spread for long distances in this part of the world.
Firebreaks and Other Surefire Ways To Protect Your Home From Wildfire
What can homeowners do to prevent a runaway fire from consuming their land and structures? Consider the simple yet effective fire mitigation strategies below.
Create Defensible Space Around Your Home’s Perimeter
Do you have a firebreak in place? This simple method burns a strip around your home so that an approaching fire cannot pass over into your property (it has no fuel to keep burning if you’ve burnt away the grass and brush).
Alternatively, the “Lean, Green, and Clean” model calls for vegetation management 30 feet from your home. In this area, Zone 1, you remove dead or dying trees and shape bushes. Then, in Zone 2, 100 feet from your house perimeter, you space apart foliage to help with fuel reduction.
Use Fire-Retardant Materials in Your Home
What can you do to protect the house itself against fire?
Are you building a home from scratch or remodeling one? Try replacing existing wood siding with fire-resistant materials. You can also incorporate other non-combustible materials, such as:
- Tile
- Metal
- Clay
- Composite
These materials could replace inflammable PVC, plastic, and vinyl from the foundation to the rooftop.
Two More Fire Mitigation Tactics
Have you adequately prepared the perimeter, yard, and home exterior to resist fires? Now consider the following:
- Emergency preparedness: Pack food, clothing, and money in a supply kit for each household member.
- Ember protection: Attach metal screens or mesh onto heating and fuel-burning devices.
Serving El Jebel and Nearby Communities!
Fire mitigation could save your life. Why not let Grow Green Now LLC get your home and yard winter-ready with local ISA-certified arborists who are well-versed in Colorado wildfire prevention? Contact us for your free estimate in El Jebel, CO!