Staying safe during fire season is crucial, and taking precautions to protect yourself and your home is essential. Here are some steps you can take to stay safe in your house during fire season:

Stay informed: Pay attention to local news and updates regarding fire conditions in your area. Stay updated on evacuation orders, fire advisories, and other relevant information provided by local authorities.

Create a defensible space: Clear vegetation and debris from around your home, creating a defensible space. Maintain a distance of at least 30 feet between your house and flammable materials like trees, bushes, and dry grass. This helps create a buffer zone and reduces the risk of fire spreading to your home.

Install smoke detectors: Make sure you have working smoke detectors installed on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Regularly test the batteries and replace them as needed.

Prepare an emergency kit: Assemble an emergency kit that includes essentials like food, water, medications, important documents, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and a portable battery-powered radio. Keep this kit easily accessible in case of an evacuation.

Develop an evacuation plan: Create a detailed evacuation plan with your family. Identify multiple escape routes from your home and establish a meeting point outside. Practice the evacuation plan regularly, so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Secure your home: Close all windows and doors to prevent embers from entering your house. Use fire-resistant materials for roofing and siding if possible. Install metal screens on windows and vents to block embers.

Maintain fire-safe practices: Avoid using outdoor equipment that can create sparks or flames during dry and windy conditions. This includes grills, fire pits, and outdoor stoves. Dispose of cigarette butts properly and avoid smoking near flammable materials.

Stay aware of fire conditions: Keep an eye on local weather conditions and fire danger ratings. Limit outdoor activities on days with high fire risk, and be cautious during periods of strong winds.

Have a communication plan: Establish a communication plan with your family and friends, including a designated contact person outside the fire area. This will help you stay connected and informed if local communication networks are affected.

Follow evacuation orders: If local authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it promptly. Your safety is the top priority, and it’s important to evacuate as directed to avoid being trapped or hinder rescue operations.

Remember, the safety of yourself and your loved ones should always take precedence during a fire. If you have specific concerns or live in an area prone to wildfires, consult with local fire agencies for personalized safety advice and recommendations.

Cooking and heating the home are the two top causes for house fires, and as we head into the cooler months and the holidays, numbers of house fires increase dramatically. While safe cooking and heating practices are your first line of defense, having a plan of action when it comes to a home fire escape plan is an important step to ensuring the safety of you and your family. Here are some simple but important actions you can take to ensure your family’s safety:

1. Check your smoke alarms regularly!  If your alarm has regular batteries they should be changed once a year and tested monthly by pressing the test chirp button.  Smoke alarms should be installed in all sleeping and living areas, and it’s important to educate everyone in your home on what a functioning smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when it goes off. 
2. Have at least one fire extinguisher in the home in an easily accessible location and have all family members trained on how to use it. 
3. Keep flashlights in key spots around the home in case of a power outage and difficulty seeing at night. 
4. Plan and practice a home fire escape plan. Your children might be very familiar with a fire drill that has been implemented at their school. Taking the same initiative at home to plan out a quick and efficient escape plan at least twice a year can go a long way to ensuring every family member’s safety. Pick a designated escape route along with an outside meeting place and practice until all family members get it down.   A contact outside the home area is also recommended that everyone knows and can touch base with in case of a regional disaster.
5. Have a grab bag ready and easily accessible with necessary items such as medications for a few days, a change of clothes for each family member, pet needs, and important documents. 

If you want to review your coverages or policy information, visit our Customer Service Center at https://www.westernmutual.com/policy or call us at (800) 234-2103.