With the recent wildfires that broke out in the San Diego area over the past couple weeks now is an opportune time to discuss how you can protect your yard and home from fires. You may never be able to fully protect your home, but taking these simple steps in the Fall & Spring will keep your home safer:
1) Get rid of all dead leaves: clean out your gutters at least twice a year (Fall & Spring) and make sure you rake up all dead grass and leaves. Dead, dry leaves can fuel a fire so make sure they’re picked up off the ground (or in a compost bin).
2) Trim trees and shrubs: it’s wise to create a “fire free” zone at least 30 feet from your home. Make sure all trees are trimmed, especially those near your home and chimney. Also, try to keep bushes and shrubs away from trees to a potential fire from jumping easily.
3) Use backyard fires cautiously: this is a no-brainer, but worth mentioning. You should use fire pits the are on top of non-flammable surfaces, such as stone patios. Make sure you adequately put out your fires and dispose of ashes in a metal container.
4) Plant fire-resistant plants: not only are agave and other succulents great drought-resistant plants to landscape your yard with, they’re also fire-resistant because of all the water stored inside them. Stay away from plants or trees that contain resin or sap as these are typically very flammable.
5) Be wary of where you store fuels: It’s wise to store all propane, gas, pain and solvents in proper containers at least 30 feet from your home. A dry, cool shed works best for storing fuel so take inventory of where you’re storing these items (including saturated rags).
By taking these five steps your yard will more sufficiently protect your home from a potential fire. It goes without saying that keeping matches and lighters away from children will help keep you safe as well. Keeping a fire extinguisher or two in your home and/or garage is also a good idea.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can improve your home’s landscaping, as well as protect it from droughts and fires, talk to Greyhound General today. Just leave us a note here or call 800-568-7108.
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