How to protect your home from a wildfire

THE FIRE SEASON IS UPON US!

As much as it is a pleasure to virtually share your backyard with pristine, fynbos bedecked mountains, this privilege comes at a price: The risk of being exposed to raging wildfires.

Living in a wildlife-urban interface area necessitates certain precautions against raging wildfires.

Overstrand Municipality is urging everyone who has made their home in the Overstrand, and especially those who live in the interface between urban and wildlife, to take the necessary steps to safeguard their properties.

The steps are rather simple and straightforward, and taking the trouble to employ them may just save your home and all that you value.

1. Keep your roof and gutters clean - plant debris accumulating on roofs and in gutters are highly combustible and can cause fire-resistant roofing material to be less effective.

2. Close openings, vents and eaves - where possible, use wire mesh to prevent smouldering embers from entering your home.

3. Store combustibles at a safe distance from your home - flammable material such as firewood should not be stored below decks or verandas.

4. Trim your trees - crown fires can cause embers to land on roofs and can cause other trees in the vicinity to ignite.

5. Keep vegetation in check and your yard debris-free - be sure to trim your lawn and to create firebreaks along the driveway or walkway.

6. Keep the garden hose connected and the pool, if you have one, filled.

For more advice on how you can safeguard your home, visit https://overbergfpa.co.za/wildfireready/