- Ensure any vinyl or aluminum siding is sealed at the base, to keep flames out of the gap between the siding and the wall.
- Cover vents and openings with 1/8” metal mesh to keep burning embers out of the home.
- Separate wooden fences from the home with brick or stone barriers.
- Use composite material to build decks.
- Install tempered dual-pane windows.
- Avoid wooden shake and shingle roofs. Use non-flammable roofing materials:
- Metal shingles
- Clay or cement tiles
- Asphalt
- Cementitious composite.
- Ensure gutters and roofs are clear of debris.
- Use plaster, stucco, stone or brick exterior walls.
- Conduct maintenance on furnaces.
- Check all fire and smoke alarms. Replace batteries in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
- Consider rewiring old homes. Prioritize electrical upgrades in your renovation plans.
- Don’t use high-wattage bulbs in recessed fixtures.
- Replace old or untreated cellulose insulation with fiberglass or mineral wool.
- Check chimneys and caps for birds’ nests and other debris.
- Keep vegetation well away from the home.
- Don’t run extension cords under carpets.
- Use solid lumber, fire-resistant fiberglass or composite materials. Particle board is more flammable.
- Ensure secondary escape routes are not blocked by clutter or debris.
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