Sunday, April 2, 2017

Are You Smart Enough? Wildfire Tips and You

Being no stranger to extreme weather, the droughts we have been facing have sparked more than their fair share of wildfires these last few years. There are several ways to protect your home from the devastating destruction. You've got to make sure you are educated in the simple ways you can save your home. Prevention is the key here, so by learning what to watch out for and how to take care of it you will be in a better position. Here are some tips to help you:

As dry and warm weather returns, public safety officials are bracing for an already active wildfire season in the San Diego Region. Wildfires are not a new threat, but it is important to continue weaving wildfire prevention and education into the fabric of San Diego’s culture. An educational exhibit, recently opened at the Mission Trails Regional Park visitor’s center, is a good example of making wildfire education a part of San Diegans’ everyday life.

Unfortunately, San Diego has a long history of wildfires. I remember first-hand the devastation and impact of the Cedar Fire in 2003 that destroyed over 2,000 homes and killed 14 people. I was nearly a victim myself.
When the fires began, I drove to an area near Harbison Canyon in East County to rescue horses that were in the path of the fire. Unfortunately, when I arrived, all of the horse trailers were already gone. As a result, I was forced to ride out on my horse while holding a rope trailing three other horses to a shelter a few miles down the road.

I can still remember my fear as I watched the fast approaching flames coming down the mountain, and the loud boom of exploding propane tanks in the nearby community of Crest.  Thankfully, the four horses and I were lucky enough to make it out that day. Though memorable, it is something I never want to experience again.

Stories like this are surprisingly common among San Diegans, especially after the nearly equally devastating Witch Creek Fire in 2007. Through these tragedies, we have learned valuable lessons about not only about how to fight wildfires, but also how to prevent them from spreading.

[...]

The threat of flying embers illustrates that it’s not just homes near canyonlands that need to be prepared. All San Diego homeowners must ensure that their property is prepared for wildfire season. Some suggestions include:

  • Roofs: Burning branches, leaves, and embers can be carried by the wind and land on the roof. Roof materials should have a Class-A rating. Slate, terra cotta (clay) or standing-seam metal roofing are examples of Class-A fire-resistant suggested material.
  • Vents: All vents should be covered with 1/8 inch metal mesh. DO NOT use fiberglass or plastic mesh.
  • Rain gutters: Screen or enclose rain gutters to prevent accumulation of plant debris.
  • Garage Door: Install weather stripping around and under doors to prevent embers from getting inside.

Via: http://timesofsandiego.com/opinion/2016/08/03/education-key-to-protect-family-and-property-from-wildfires/ 

Just like Smokey the Bear says, "Only you can prevent forest fires". In our case, it's more like making sure our homes are in tip-top shape and that all work is done properly. We can help you with your residential roofing needs http://sandiego.preciseroofing.net/residential. We're the professionals so you can count on us to do it right. If this past year has taught us anything, it's that it's only going to get hotter and drier. Of course, we hope that the weather calms down and that these dry spells become few and far between. Wouldn't that be nice? Prevention is the best medicine in this case, so wouldn't you like to make sure you've taken your dose?

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