Days before the devastating wildfires in southern California killed more than a dozen people, destroyed hundreds of homes, scorched thousands of acres and threatened thousands more homes, the insurance industry warned of the growing threat from wildfire dangers in the state. 

An October 22nd news release by the Insurance Information Network of California warned that half of all homes in that state are at risk to wildfire losses, and that the expected Santa Ana winds would produce the greatest danger for the peak wildfire season in the state.

According to new research by the California Department of Forestry cited in that release, more than 7.2 million California homes are categorized in the three highest fire risk levels -- more than 6 million of which are located in urban areas.

With such a vivid reminder of the growing risk of wildfires around the country, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is offering these guidelines for homeowners and businesses to use to lessen the possibility of losses.

BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES

• Remove all dead branches overhanging your roof and all branches within 10 feet of chimneys.
• Cover chimneys serving fireplaces, barbecues or incinerators with a wire screen of 1/4 -inch or smaller mesh.
• Enclose the underside of balconies and aboveground decks with fire-resistive or noncombustible materials.
• Create a “defensible space” by removing all dry grass, brush and dead leaves AT LEAST 30 FEET from a home.
• Plant native, fire-resistive vegetation whenever possible.
• For trees taller than 18 feet, prune lower branches within six feet of the ground to keep ground fires from spreading into treetops.
• Stack firewood and scrap wood piles at least 50 feet from any structure and clear away flammable vegetation that is within 10 feet.
• Locate butane and propane tanks at least 50 feet away from any structure and surround them with 10 feet of clearance.
• Clearly mark all emergency water sources and maintain easy access.

Remember, only remove dead leaves or vegetation when local garbage collection services will have time to pick up the debris.  If a fire threatens immediately, leave the vegetation alone.

DURING REBUILDING During home improvement projects, or while rebuilding a damaged home, adopt these important safe-building practices:

• Build or remodel with fire-resistive building materials, particularly roofs, as they are the most vulnerable part of a home and easily catch fire from wind-blown embers.
• Limit the size and number of windows in the home that face large areas of vegetation.  Even from a distance of 30 feet away, heat from a wildfire can ignite the furnishings inside a home.
• Install only tempered glass or double-paned windows to reduce heat transmission.
• Space trees and shrubs at least 10 feet apart.  Reduce the number of trees in heavily wooded areas.
• Maintain an emergency water supply within 1,000 feet of your home that meets fire department standards through one of the following:
  - Community water/hydrant system
  - Drafting site on a lake
  - Cooperative emergency storage tank with neighbors
  - Swimming pool
• If your water comes from a well, consider installing an emergency generator to operate the pump during power failures or interruptions.

GENERAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS STEPS

• Gather essential papers, including birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, bank and insurance papers, wills, deeds, recent tax returns, stocks, bonds and prescription information.
• Prepare a home inventory of your belongings on film or videotape.  Store the inventory away from the premises.
• Review your homeowners insurance policy annually with your insurance agent or company to make sure you have adequate and appropriate protection.

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