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Prepare Your Home For Wildfire Season

These tips will give you a head start on keeping your home safe

As much as we don't like to think about it, wildfire season is nearing in the Okanagan. As summer thunderstorms and hot temperatures increase, the wildfire risk increases as well. Prepare now and you will have greater peace of mind so you can enjoy your summer. Here are some areas to focus on:

Space Means Grace

Make sure that your plants and trees are spaced away from your house and each other. This can mean trimming them to make sure they don't touch, or even repositioning them with space in between them so that fire doesn't spread from plant to plant. You may consider looking for some fire resistant plants and using stone paths or metal gates as fire breaks around more combustible plants.

Clean and Green

Keep the 10-metre area around your house free from debris and combustible materials. Consider investing in non-combustible lawn furniture and play structures. Keep your grass trimmed and hydrated so that it doesn't become a fire hazards. Remove fallen branches, needles, leaves, pinecones, etc. from your lawn.

Cover Up

Eliminate the risk of floating embers by adding wire mesh to cover your chimney openings and your exterior attic vents. Repair gaps and replace broken windows to keep out wildfire smoke.

Breathe Easy

Protect your indoor air quality by changing your air intake on your air conditioner to recirculate. If you have eye, nose, or throat irritation, a humidifier can help remove smoke and bring some relief. Check outdoor air levels before going outside, limiting exercise and activities when necessary.

Emergency Planning

Take pictures of every room in your house (especially valuables). Have a clearly communicated evacuation plan for your family. If possible, plan where you will go and what you will take (i.e., necessities, important documents, medications). Don't forget to include pet items.