Wildfire Safety: 20 Essential Tips to Protect Your Home

Sara F. Hathaway
May 7
3 min read

Updated: Jul 7

Episode 482 of The Changing Earth Podcast: Wildfire Safety Insights

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Episode 482 of The Changing Earth Podcast is a must-listen. It is packed with practical wildfire safety tips and features the lively chemistry of host Sara F. Hathaway and co-host Chin Gibson. They broadcast live, blending survival fiction with actionable advice. As they tackle the escalating wildfire risks of 2025, they discuss events like Hurricane Helene’s debris in North Carolina and Michigan’s ice storm-damaged forests.

Listen Now!

Homestead Updates and Exciting News

Sara and Chin kick off the episode with engaging homestead updates. Sara is currently building a chicken coop that she affectionately calls her "Taj Mahal." They also share exciting news from the Changing Earth series. Season 5 of the audio drama is in production. The new season promises AI-enhanced visuals and early access for PBN and Changing Earth subscribers. Additionally, Sara's novel, The Las Vegas Years, is scheduled for release in September. Last month, her Changing Earth series racked up over 63,000 Kindle pages read!

High wildfire risk this summer—stay prepared! Discover 20 essential tips to protect your home at Changing Earth Series.

20 Tips to Harden Your Home

The episode's core focus is a detailed wildfire safety guide. Sara leverages her California roots and insurance expertise to share 20 essential tips for hardening your home against wildfires:

Create Defensible Space (0-5 feet): Clear flammable materials like wooden mulch or bushes around your home.
Extend Defensible Space (5-30 feet): Keep outbuildings and fuels at least 30 feet from your house.
Maintain a Park-Like Zone (30-100 feet): Ensure your land resembles a park to minimize the risk of fire spreading.
Skirt Trees: Raise tree canopies 6-10 feet off the ground to prevent grass fires from jumping.
Mow Grass Regularly: Keep grass short to limit the fuel available for fires.
Use Fire-Resistant Roofing: Install Class A fire-safe shingles or metal roofing to protect your home.
Check Roof Maintenance: Make sure shingles are intact to prevent ember ignition.
Avoid Wood Shake Roofs: Replace them with more fire-resistant alternatives.
Install Fire-Resistant Siding: Use cement fiber siding for durable exterior wall protection.

10. Seal Roof Gaps: Close any gaps to block ember intrusion that might ignite fires.

11. Use Fire-Resistant Vents: Install mesh vents that prevent embers from entering attics.

12. Upgrade Window Screens: Ensure bug screens are hole-free to block any embers.

13. Enclose Eaves: Cover exposed attic boards with cement fiber materials.

14. Monitor Ember Collection Areas: Clear debris from areas where leaves gather to minimize ember accumulation.

15. Install Multi-Pane Windows: Use tempered, dual-pane glass to resist fire damage.

16. Clear Gutters and Roofs: Remove moss, lichen, or other debris that could ignite fires easily.

17. Replace Old Decking: Use fire-resistant materials like suspended concrete or aluminum.

18. Relocate Flammable Items: Keep grills, firewood, and building materials more than 30 feet away from structures.

19. Secure Propane Tanks: Ensure tanks are clear of flammable vines or lattice.

20. Maintain a Hydrated Landscape: Use irrigation or rain-catch systems to keep your vegetation moist.

Wide angle view of a home with a well-maintained defensive space — Lush greenery and dense foliage closely surround a charming home, highlighting the lack of wildfire preparedness.

The Importance of Preparedness

Wildfire preparedness is more crucial than ever. Many regions face unprecedented threats from wildfires, making it essential to take action early. Ensuring your home has adequate defenses can significantly reduce the potential for damage.

As discussed in the podcast, local disasters like the wildfire in New Jersey, which spanned 15,300 acres, highlight the urgent need for effective wildfire safety measures. Communities across the country are dealing with weather chaos, including Texas blizzards and volcanic eruptions. It’s vital to stay informed and prepared.

Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with more updates from Changing Earth News, focusing on the global weather crisis. Sara and Chin remind listeners to join them on the first Sunday of every month for their live episodes. Don’t forget to catch the weekly Changing Earth Audio Drama. For more resources, subscriptions, and signed novels, visit ChangingEarthSeries.com. Remember: dream, survive, and thrive!