Wildfire defense guide

Let’s start with reasons why your home is more at risk.

• According to FireLine®, more than 4.5 million U.S. properties are at high to extreme risk for wildfires.¹
• Since 2015, the United States has experienced, on average, roughly 100 more large wildfires every year than the year before.²

Environmental factors are driving the increase in risk.

• Temperatures are rising - Average annual temperatures in the Western US have increased 1.9 degrees since 1970.²
• Snow melts sooner -  Winter snowpack melts up to 4 weeks earlier than in previous decades.²
• Forests are drier, longer - Conditions are primed for wildfires to ignite and spread.²

Plan now to help protect your property from future wildfires. First, make your home as fire-resistant as possible with these important measures.

• Use fire-resistant roofing materials to cover your home, such as concrete tile or Class A composition shingles.
• If your home has a barrel tile roof, seal open edges with grout to keep embers from blowing into your home.
• Cover your attic, eave, and sub-floor exterior vents with 1/8” or smaller mesh screening made of a fire-resistant material, such as stainless steel.
• Box in or enclose eaves soffits for better protection from a fire’s heat and embers.
• Install multi-pane and/or tempered glass in exterior windows, glass doors and skylights.
• Use fire-resistant materials for siding, shutters, decks and fences.
• Keep gutters clean and install gutter guards to keep debris out.

Next, make landscaping fire-resistant to create a defense zone around your home.

• Avoid landscaping with combustible wood mulch.
• Plant native, fire-resistant vegetation whenever possible.
• Keep grass cut short and the 30’ area around your home watered well.
• Clear vegetation, including dry grass, brush, trees and dead leaves, within at least 100 feet of your home and other structures on your property.
• Store firewood and fuel sources at least 30 feet downhill from any structure.

What to do if a wildfire threatens your home

Natural disasters such as wildfires are scary, but having a plan in place can give you peace of mind and a sense of control. A plan can also help reassure children, if you have them.

Take care of yourself and your family first.

• Monitor news reports so you know how much danger you may be facing.
• Review the contents of your emergency kit. Here’s a good list of kit basics.
• Change batteries in flashlights and have extra batteries on hand.
• Check your first-aid kit and prescription medicines.
• Stockpile candles and matches.
• Get cash to fill up your gas tank in case the pump credit card readers are down.
• Make sure your vehicles have chargers for your electronic devices.
• Don’t forget supplies for your pets!

If there’s time and it’s safe to do so, do what you can to protect your home.

• Quickly remove any dry brush in your yard that could easily catch fire.
• Soak any roofs, shrubs and trees with water if they are within 15 feet of a building.
• Remove flammable materials such as trash, portable propane tanks, outdoor furniture and vehicles from around your home.
• Shut off the gas to the home to prevent an ignition source.
• Make sure vents are covered securely with mesh to prevent embers from entering.
• Turn on your roof sprinkler system, if you have one, and any sprinklers on your property.
• Move all vehicles into the garage, close and lock all doors and windows, and activate your security system.³
• Do a full video walk-through of your home and property before you evacuate. Take photos of the serial numbers on your electronics, if possible. The footage will provide your insurance company with a detailed record of the state of your property right before disaster hit.
• Evacuate art, antiques and other valuables.

What to do if you’re forced to leave your home.

• Leave garden hoses connected and accessible to make it easier for firefighters to fill their tanks.
• Know and follow routes dictated by local officials. Wildfires can quickly change direction and your planned escape route may be blocked.
• Post a sign on your home with your name and contact number in case first responders need to reach you.

What to do after a wildfire.

• If you evacuated, do not return home until local officials deem it safe to do so.
• Check your roof, attic and home perimeter for small fires or burning embers and extinguish them immediately. Call the fire department for help if you need help.
• Inspect all utilities and if any damage has occurred, consult a professional before using them.
• If you notice any damage to your home, contact your insurance agent to report a claim. If you’re a Nationwide Private Client policyholder, you can always reach our claims team at 1-855-473-6410.