Take steps to prepare your home from wildfires

The weather is warming up in Northern California, and home owners can help ensure their homes are more protected when fire season comes.

According to a post shared by Lassen National Forest, when hardening a home against fire, residents should start with the top of the structure, working their way down to the ground and out.

First, protect your home from wildfire by removing leaves and pine needles from the rood, valleys in pitched roofs, gutters and deck.

Next, residents should check vent screens and keep them clear of debris. If possible, consider installing fire-resistant roofing.

Lastly, replace exterior wall coverings that are combustible, susceptible to melting or can readily transmit heat.

Moreover, according to Cal Fire, it’s important to maintain defensible space around the home.

“Defensible space is essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. It’s the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. Defensible space is also important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home,” rad the Cal Fire Ready for Wildfire website.

Cal Fire’s Ready for Wildfire website provides residents with various tips on hardening homes, fire-resistant landscaping and more.