Take Steps To Prevent Fire Damage

Last year, more than 200,000 people in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties were told to leave their homes due to wildfires.  Well over 100,000 acres were scorched, and residents watched the news footage of hills and canyons going up in smoke. Now, while the conditions are calm, what can you do to prepare for another fire season?

According to Ready Ventura County, both firefighters and residents must be aware of fires at all times. Firefighters train hard and constantly prepare for wildfires; residents should take a few minutes and review their plans.

Protect Your Property

Before any danger, define your “defensible space.” The National Fire Protection Association recommends an area of up to 200 feet. Make your home and this surrounding area safer from fire by reducing the amount of flammable material: clear away debris, maintain the trees and shrubs, use fire-resistant materials for landscaping and construction. Clutter is not only an eyesore but can be fuel to a potential fire.

If your home borders a natural area, what firefighters call the Wildland Urban Interface, you are at increased risk from a wildfire. If you live within one mile of a natural area, you live in the Ember Zone and are at risk from wind-driven embers from a wildfire.

Pre-Plan Your Escape

Plan ahead. Know your evacuation routes; plan your transportation and a place to stay.

Google your community’s local evacuation plan and identify a couple of escape routes for your location in case roads are blocked. Consider your pets and their needs, as well. Keep emergency supplies and a change of clothes in your car.   

Place Valuables In Fireproof Containers

In general, but especially before fire season, move your most important valuables to a metal firebox or safe. Never store important items in attics– an area susceptible to bugs, mice, and hot (deteriorating) temperatures. Consider sealing paper, books, and jewelry in lightweight metal boxes, which are easy to grab and move quickly; store them in easy-to-access closets.

Make digital copies of all important documents and store, under password, in the cloud.

Preparation Tips From Ready.gov

• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Designate a room that can be closed off from outside air. Close all doors and windows. Set up a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low when smoky conditions exist.
• Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property.
• Review insurance coverage to make sure it is enough to replace your property.
• Pay attention to local air quality alerts.

Have A Source For Emergency Property Repair

At PRC Restoration, we understand how stressful it can be to worry about repairing fire damage at your home. When disasters strike, our professional team is available 24 hours a day. Our technicians are on call and ready to assist you when your home suffers any fire. At PRC Restoration, our technicians are trained to identify structural risks and address instability issues until permanent repairs can be made.

PRC Restoration Inc.

PRC Inc is a full-service licensed general contractor in the Ventura County area. We provide emergency services, mitigation, structural repairs and construction services. PRC Restoration Inc. is an industry leader in both commercial and residential disaster recovery, with over 20 years of meeting and exceeding our client’s expectations. For service in Long Beach and all of Greater Los Angeles, call 855-906-3757 or visit prcinc.com