Every year risk more than 100,000 wildfires tear through 4 to 5 million acres of land in the U.S. alone. These devastating events come with a hefty price tag, costing the federal government up to $2 billion in suppression costs. Additionally, longer wildfire seasons, brought on by scorching heat and changing meteorological patterns are making these events more dangerous and harder to control. To make matters worse, 16% of the country’s population currently resides in areas at high risk of wildfires. Experts are predicting this number will increase to 21% over the next three decades.

Although you may not be able to stop wildfires from occurring, there are measures you can take to reduce the risk of your business being destroyed by a fire. While no property is fireproof, the goal is to prevent your business and property from being a fuel source. Planning your landscape, using proper building materials, implementing adequate protection systems and having a financial disaster fund are proactive steps in laying the groundwork for the safety and protection of your property.

Essential Tips to Safeguard Your Property from Wildfire Risks

Landscaping

It is an unfortunate fact that a high percentage of businesses ignite after the strongest part of the wildfire has passed due to smoldering leaves, grass or brush. Ask your property management company about steps they have taken to protect the building from wildfire damage in their landscaping selections. Some things that can help include using non-highly flammable plants and trees, pruning, and keeping the ground clear and the grass short. Consider creating a natural fire break for your property. This is usually a 10-foot-wide gap in vegetation or other combustible material that acts as a barrier to slow or stop the fire’s progress.

Building Materials

There are many updates and small renovations you can make to your property to help combat the fire. The absolute key, however, is to understand the unique ways a fire could attack your property. This helps determine which sides of the business should be fire-proofed first.

The following are business renovation ideas to help reduce the risk of wildfire damage:

1. Windows: A vulnerable point in your property’s structure, windows aresusceptible to breaking or shattering under the influence of heat, regardlessif flames are close to your property. A safe alternative to the standard panewindow is double-glazing your windows with tempered glass on the exterior.Roll-down metal fire doors that can be built into the roof overhangs are alsostrong defenders against heat and fire.
2. Doors: The standard wood door typically provides 20 minutes of fire protection. For extra safety and more time, consider replacing your wood door with one with a metal core. If your business has garage doors, metal-panel garage doors can help reduce the risk of wildfire damage.
3. Roofs: According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), roof materials should be compiled of noncombustible coverings that are Class A rating, such as metal or asphalt. Additionally, be sure to regularly have gutters and downspouts cleaned; this will decrease fuel for the fires. 
4. Vents: Ensure that your bathrooms, kitchens and dryer vents have automatic backdraft dampers and fire-rated assemblies. Metal sleeves and hoods need to cover all plastic plumbing vents where they penetrate your roof.

Fire Protection Systems

Having proper systems in place to detect and combat fire is also crucial. Ensure they are installed correctly, and regularly maintained and tested as recommended or required by relevant regulatory agencies such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Here are some of the systems you should have in place to alert workers of fire danger and help stop the spread:

1. Fire alarms: At a minimum, you should have a properly designed, approved and installed fire alarm system to alert occupants. Today’s systems may also notify the fire service or building maintenance, control other fire safety devices and even provide data to fire respondents.
2. Fire extinguishers: These essential tools play a critical role in ensuringworkplace safety. Be sure to follow compliance standards to ensure your companyand employees are protected.
3. Sprinklers: For early fire control and extinguishment, your building needs properly designed, approved, installed and maintained sprinklers. Sprinklers help to mitigate the fire hazard to both occupants and firefighters.
4. Emergency power: Depending on your building and fire codes, you may need to have a backup power system. Emergency power system features include illuminated exit signs, emergency lighting, fire alarm and detection systems, occupant-egress elevators, and electric fire pumps.

Financial Preparedness

Disasters can occur without warning, it’s essential to prepare.Don’t wait to assess and revise your business’ disaster and continuity plans. Additionally,it would be beneficial to carefully review your insurance policy and make necessaryupdates to ensure adequate coverage.

Help mitigate risks by making digital copies of your property’s inventory. Don’t forget to save the receipts for major purchases or updates to your real estate. Ensure important documents, such as mortgage and insurance information, are stored electronically as well as in a fire-safe lock box. Take the time to video or photograph each room, including the closets and possibly inside drawers. Having a complete and accurate inventory will make recovery easier. 

Establish a Comprehensive Wildfire Protection Plan.

OSHA requires that any business with more than ten employees has a written Emergency Action Plan. It should include an evacuation plan for your employees and visitors with a designated meeting place. Make sure the evacuation route is easily accessible; outlines where to go, how to get there and what to take; and how to communicate with each other. 

As always, monitor the conditions where your property is located and prepare employees if there is a high risk of wildfires reaching your business. Close all windows, doors and blinds, and leave the lights on in the building to aid firefighters. If your business is in an evacuation area and you are advised to leave, act immediately.

We’re Here to Help to Mitigate Disasters

While wildfires are uncontrollable, there are steps you cantake to protect your business and employees. Your property is a valuable asset,so it’s crucial to have safeguards in place. Prepare for the worst-casescenario by ensuring you have the right insurance coverage for disasters likewildfires. Connect with a member of our team to help with this process and beready for any disaster.