Wildfire preparation is about stopping flames from touching your house. You can prepare your property by clearing dry brush, blocking flying embers, and using fire-resistant tools.Here are steps to secure your property:1. Create a Safety ZoneClear the Immediate Area: Rake dry leaves, twigs, and dead limbs at least 30 to 100 feet away from your home.Trim Trees: Cut branches that hang over your roof. Remove lower tree branches up to 15 feet off the ground. This stops ground fires from climbing into the tree tops.Move Fuel: Store firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet from your home. Move patio furniture and doormats indoors on windy days.2. Protect Your HomeClean the Roof: Sweep dry leaves and pine needles off your roof and gutters. These catch flying embers easily.Cover Vents: Use fine, non-flammable wire mesh (less than \(\frac{1}{4}\) inch) to cover outside vents. This stops embers from blowing inside your attic or crawl spaces.Check the Outside Walls: Remove vines or shrubs growing on wooden walls. Replace loose shingles.3. Have a Water PlanConnect Hoses: Keep garden hoses attached to outside faucets. Ensure they are long enough to reach every corner of your property.Install Sprinklers: Have a backup water supply, like a pool pump or water tank, if you live in a high-risk forest area

How to Prepare Your Home For a Wildfire

Edge_housefire_1200
Did you know over 7,4001 forest fires occur in Canada every year? Most of them are caused by hot temperatures combined with drought, lightning and human negligence.

What we learned from Fort McMurray
In early May 2016, a wildfire ignited in Fort McMurray, Alberta. At the height of the disaster, there were more than 50 active fire zones. In June, rainy weather and lower temperatures helped firefighters make progress against the blaze, which was not declared under control until July. In the final tally, nearly 88,000 residents were forced to evacuate their homes and the wildfire devastated over 5,890 km2 of territory and destroyed more than 2,500 homes, making it the most expensive natural disaster in the country’s history.2

According to an investigator from the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) who examined the debris in Fort McMurray, burning embers blown by the wind set fire to most buildings. The fire made its way into the city and spread to homes by igniting flammable elements of landscaping, building material and other objects. However, ICLR noted that homeowners who followed recommendations from FireSmart Canada to protect their property were able to make their homes much more resistant to wildfires.3

Preventing fires and damage
If you live in a grassland or forest area, you'll need to take some precautions during the wildfire season.

How to avoid accidentally causing a wildfire
Respect campfire bans in effect and report any open fires you see to local fire authorities. Depending on the province, fines for not respecting fire bans can be substantial. They range from $500 to $50,000 in Quebec and up to $1 million in British Columbia!⁴
If there aren’t any fire bans in effect and you’re lighting open fires, keep a shovel/rake and a bucket of water on hand so you can fully extinguish the fire.
Are you a smoker? Make sure cigarettes or other smoking materials are fully extinguished in water, not on the ground.
Visually check overhead electrical lines; quickly report any lines touching trees to hydro authorities.
How to make your home less vulnerable to wildfires
Burning embers can travel several kilometres from the main wildfire. To make your home more fire-resistant and increase the probability that it will survive, you can follow some simple but essential measures. If your neighbours apply these measures as well, the benefits will add up fast and help your community bounce back more quickly after a devastating wildfire. Go ahead and share this information with your neighbours!

Examples of simple measures
Around your home and outbuildings (e.g., shed, garage), within 1.5 metres of outside walls:
Rake up and get rid of any accumulation of pine needles, dead leaves and wood/bark/cedar chips. Remove dead branches from shrubs and hedges. Preferably, remove evergreen shrubs.

Lawn and yard:
Mow dry grass and weeds, and water your lawn if permitted. If you have any evergreens on your property, trim the branches so that the lowest ones are 2 metres above ground. Clean up any piles of needles at tree bases.

Balconies and wooden decks:
Sweep the surfaces or use a power washer to remove dead leaves and pine needles accumulated on, under or between deck boards.

Flammable objects and materials:
Move building materials, firewood, machinery, RVs, ATVs and recycling, compost or garbage bins at least 10 metres away from any structure (or store them indoors in a safe and proper location). Store oil or gas containers, paint cans or propane tanks in a shed or garage.

Roof and gutters:
Remove any accumulation of dead leaves, pine needles and other debris. Trim any tree branches near your roof by taking the necessary protective measures.

Examples of measures requiring more effort:
Attic vents, loose soffits, and gaps around doors and windows or at ground level:
Repair them and, if you can do so safely, block any visible openings that could allow burning embers to enter your home or outbuildings. For example, you can use a 3-millimetre metal mesh screening or duct tape.

Evergreen trees located within 30 metres of structures:
Trim branches so that the lowest ones are 2 metres above ground and clean up any piles of needles at the tree bases. Make sure there’s enough space between the trees on your property. Space evergreens at least 5 metres from your home and 10 metres apart.

Juniper and cedar shrubs:
If they are within 5 metres of your home or shed, replace them with less flammable, moisture-laden deciduous shrubs.

Wooden fence attached to your home:
Place a non-combustible gate or fence section next to your home.

Wood chips, bark or rubber mulch in flowerbeds:
Replace them with non-combustible alternatives like pebbles (river stones), or only use them for islands located well away from any structures or flammable vegetation.

Combustible wooden roof:
Plan ahead to replace it with asphalt or other fire-proof roofing.

Other measures if you live in a rural area or on a farm:
Rake up and remove accumulated evergreen needles and leaves within 5 metres of buildings.
Cut and rake up cured tall grasses and weeds within 5 metres of all buildings.
Consider setting up a back-up water supply system and a separate power source.
Extend recommended tree spacing to 30–40 metres on all sides of your home and outbuildings.
You can also refer to these tips for homeowners on how to reduce wildfire risks.

What to do if a wildfire is detected in your area
If a wildfire is expected to occur near your home, obey the warnings and evacuation orders from public authorities in your province and municipality.

If you have enough time and you’re able to do so safely, you can make your home less vulnerable to a wildfire.

Top 5 things to do to protect your home
1.
Double check decks, balconies and the perimeter of all buildings:
Remove flammable objects (e.g., patio furniture, brooms, firewood, recycling bins, propane tanks) around, on or under these structures. Put these objects, as well as machinery and RVs/ATVs at least 10 metres away from any building. Store valuable items indoors in a safe and proper location.

2.
Block ember entry sites:
Identify openings outside your home (e.g., attic vents, loose soffits, and gaps around doors and windows or at ground level). Repair them or cover them temporarily with duct tape or metal if you can do so safely.

3.
Trim grass and weeds:
Mow grass within 5 metres of all structures and along wooden fences and borders. Make sure to rake up and dispose of cuttings, pine needles, leaves, dead branches and trimmings at least 10 metres away from your home.

4.
Connect garden hoses to outside water valces:
Make sure that they can be easily accessed by firefighters and that they are long enough to reach all corners of your property.

5.
Close your windows if you leave your home.
Your home insurance has you covered
Your home insurance from The Personal includes coverages for property damage. That means your house, condo or rental unit is protected against fires, including wildfires. Your policy may also cover additional living expenses if you’ve evacuated your home, for example. You can rest assured knowing that you can turn to our claims team at any time of the day or night.

Are You Prepared For Wildfire?

Many homeowners face the risk of wildfires, which are usually triggered by lightning or accidents. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Some homes survive, but unfortunately, many others do not. Those that survive almost always do so because their owners have prepared for a fire. Reduce your risk by preparing now to protect your family, home, and property in the event of a wildfire.

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property in the event of a fire:

Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind. Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it. Specifically:
Use fire-resistant or noncombustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of your house, or treat the wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking, or trim with fire-retardant chemicals evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus, or fir trees.
Regularly clean your roof and gutters; remove any debris that could catch fire.
Inspect your chimneys at least twice a year, and clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with a spark arrester that meets the requirements of National Fire Protection Association standards—namely, NFPA 211. Contact your local fire department for exact specifications.
Install a 1/8-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating. You should also cover openings to floors, roofs, and attic with mesh screens to prevent sparks and embers from entering your home.
Install a dual-sensor smoke alarm on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test it every month and change the batteries at least once each year.
Teach your family members how to use a fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it’s kept.
Keep household items available that can be used as fire tools, such as a rake, axe, handsaw or chain saw, bucket, and shovel.
Keep a ladder that will reach the roof in case a family member ends up on the roof of a burning house.
Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
Move flammable items away from the house and outside of your defensible space, including woodpiles, lawn furniture, barbecue grills, and tarp coverings.
Plan Your Water Needs
Make sure that you have easy and reliable access to water:

Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source, such as a small pond, cistern, well, swimming pool, or hydrant.
Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.
Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other structures on the property. Install additional outlets at least 50 feet from the home.
Consider obtaining a portable gasoline-powered pump in case electrical power is cut off.
It is recommended that you create a 30- to 100-foot safety zone around your home. Within this area, you can take steps to reduce potential exposure to flames and radiant heat. Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet. If your home sits on a steep slope, standard protective measures may not be enough. Contact your local fire department or forestry office for additional information. Here are some tips for creating a safety zone:

Rake leaves, dead limbs, and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation. Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures.
Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.
Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.
Remove vines from the walls of the home.
Mow grass regularly.
Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Use a screen made of nonflammable material with mesh no coarser than 1/4 inch.
Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site. Follow local burning regulations.
Place stove, fireplace, and grill ashes in a metal bucket and soak them in water for two days, then bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
Store gasoline, oily rags, and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place the cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home. Clear combustible material within 20 feet of a woodpile. Use only wood-burning devices evaluated by UL.
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy and prepare or update a list of your home’s contents.
Follow Local Burning Laws
Know the regulations concerning burning in your area:

Before burning debris in a wooded area, make sure you notify local authorities and obtain a burning permit.
Use an approved incinerator with a safety lid or covering with holes no larger than 3/4 inch.
Create at least a 10-foot clearing around the incinerator before burning debris.
Have a fire extinguisher or garden hose on hand.
During a Wildfire
If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Take your disaster supply kit, lock your home, and choose a route away from the fire hazard. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of the fire and smoke. Tell someone when you left and where you are going.

If you see a wildfire and haven’t received evacuation orders yet, call 911. Don’t assume that someone else has already called. Describe the location of the fire, speak slowly and clearly, and answer any questions the dispatcher asks.

If you are not ordered to evacuate and have time to prepare your home, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that you take the following actions:

Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area in case you need to evacuate.
Wear protective clothing when outside, such as sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.
Gather fire tools such as a rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw, bucket, and shovel.
Close the outside attic, eaves, and basement vents, windows, doors, and other openings. Remove flammable drapes and curtains. Close all shutters, blinds, or heavy non-combustible window coverings to reduce radiant heat.
Close all doors inside the house to prevent drafts. Open the damper on your fireplace, but close the fireplace screen.
Shut off any natural gas, propane, or fuel oil supplies at the source.
Connect garden hoses to outdoor water faucets and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.
Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near aboveground fuel tanks. Leave sprinklers on and dowse these structures as long as possible.
If you have gas-powered pumps for water, make sure they are fueled and ready.
Place a ladder in clear view against the house.
Disconnect any automatic garage door openers so that doors can still be opened by hand if the power goes out. Close all garage doors.
Place valuable papers, mementos, and anything “you can’t live without” inside the car in the garage, ready for quick departure. Any pets still with you should also be put in the car.
Place valuables that will not be damaged by water in a pool or pond.
Move flammable furniture into the center of the home, away from the windows and sliding glass doors.
Turn on outside lights and leave a light on in every room to make the house more visible in heavy smoke.
Survival in a Vehicle
This is dangerous and should only be done in an emergency, but you can survive a fire if you stay in your car. It is much less dangerous than trying to run from a fire on foot:

Roll up the windows and close the air vents. Drive slowly with your headlights on. Watch for other vehicles and pedestrians. Do not drive through heavy smoke.
If you have to stop, park away from the heaviest trees and brush. Turn your headlights on and ignition off. Make sure your windows are rolled up, and your air vents are closed.
Get on the floor and cover up with a blanket or coat.
Stay in the car until the main fire passes. Do not run away.
Remember that your engine may stall and not restart, air currents may rock the car, some smoke and sparks may enter the vehicle, and the temperature inside will increase. Keep in mind that metal gas tanks and containers rarely explode.
If You Are Trapped at Home
If you find yourself trapped inside your home, stay inside and away from outside walls. Close the doors, but leave them unlocked. Keep your entire family together and remain calm.
If Caught in the Open
The best temporary shelter is in a sparse area with few trees or other things that burn easily. On a steep mountainside, the back side is safer. Avoid canyons and natural “chimneys.”
If a road is nearby, lie face down along the road or in the ditch. Cover yourself with anything that will shield you from the fire’s heat.
If hiking in the backcountry, look for a depression in the ground with few trees or other fuel sources. Clear fuel away from the area while the fire is approaching, and then lie face down in the depression and cover yourself. Stay down until after the fire passes.
After a Wildfire
The following are guidelines for what to do following a fire:

Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home.
If you are with burn victims or are a burn victim yourself, call 911 or seek help immediately. Cool and cover burns to reduce the chance of further injury or infection.
If you remained at home, check the roof immediately after the fire danger has passed. Put out any roof fires, sparks, or embers. Check the attic for hidden burning sparks.
In the hours after the fire, maintain a “fire watch.” Routinely check for smoke and sparks in the house.
If you have evacuated, do not enter your home until fire officials say it is safe.
If a building inspector has placed a color-coded sign on your home, do not enter until you get more information about what the sign means and whether it is safe to enter your home.
If you must leave your home because a building inspector says the building is unsafe, ask someone you trust to watch the property during your absence.
Use caution when entering burned areas, as hazards may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up without warning.
If you detect heat or smoke when entering a damaged building, evacuate immediately.
If you have a safe or strongbox, do not try to open it. It can hold intense heat for several hours. If the door is opened before the box has cooled, the contents could burst into flames.
Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires.
Watch for ash pits and mark them for safety. Warn family and neighbors to keep clear of the pits.
Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Hidden embers and hot spots could burn them.
Follow public health guidance on the safe cleanup of fire ash and the safe use of masks.
Dampen debris to minimize inhaling dust particles.
Wear leather gloves and heavy-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet.
Properly dispose of cleaning products, paint, batteries, and damaged fuel containers to avoid risk.
Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot.
Do not use water that you think may be contaminated to wash dishes, brush your teeth, prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula.
Hazards After Wildfires: Floods and Landslides
Large-scale wildfires dramatically alter the terrain and ground conditions and can cause a greater risk of flooding. Normally, vegetation absorbs rainfall, reducing runoff. However, wildfires leave the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water, creating conditions ripe for flash flooding and mudflow, which can cause significant damage. These types of floods are often more severe than flooding from storms because debris and ash left from the fire can form mudflows. Mudflows can also be formed when rainwater picks up soil and sediment from the damaged ground. Flood risk remains higher until vegetation is restored—up to five years after a wildfire.