As the wildfire threat rises in a number of states, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is encouraging homeowners to take steps to reduce their risk and boost their homes’ defenses.

According to IBHS, the key is removing everything fire would view as a fuel source. This will help create a zone around the home to help slow flames, should a fire start, and potentially direct it elsewhere. Take these steps within 30 feet of most houses, 50-100 feet if it’s a heavily wooded area:

1. Eliminate fuel sources like dry landscaping, woodpiles and decks.
2. Prune trees and shrubs.
3. Trim taller trees so lowest branch is no less than six feet from the
ground.
4. Remove dead leaves and branches from the yard.
5. Clear branches from around the roof and chimney.
6. Mow lawn regularly and dispose promptly of cuttings and debris.
7. Clear roof, gutters and eaves of debris.
8. Maintain your irrigation system.
9. Move firewood and storage tanks 50 feet away from the home.
10. Store flammable liquids properly.

Homeowners about to begin a landscaping project can increase their protection by introducing more native vegetation and spacing trees at least 10 feet apart.

And if a facelift is being planned for a home’s exterior, use only non- combustible materials on the roof, walls, eaves, soffits and fascia.

For more information to help protect your home or business from disasters or more common causes of loss, visit the IBHS web site www.disastersafety.org

The Institute for Business & Home Safety works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other property losses by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.