Summer is a key time to remind clients how to reduce their wildfire risk. By preparing now, they can strengthen business continuity plans, better protect property and equip teams ahead of peak wildfire season. Wildfires can strike with little warning, leaving communities vulnerable and causing widespread devastation. Your clients being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring their safety and minimizing damage. Help them prepare before, stay safe during and recover after a wildfire.

Before a Wildfire

Plan

• Develop a business continuity plan and back up important documents. Use fire-resistant safes to store sensitive documents or move them off-site altogether.
• Review insurance policies and ensure proper coverage is in place.
• Develop communication plans for how to communicate during a fire. Team contact information should be easily accessible both on and offsite. 
• Plan evacuation routes. Employees may have to leave quickly, so identify multiple escape routes. Hold drills regularly to help all teammates be familiar with evacuation routes and routines.
• Train employees in fire safety, including how to use fire extinguishers properly. Teach employees about the importance of good housekeeping and maintenance.
• Establish relationships with contractors who can help remediate effects of wildfire.

Act

• Stay informed. Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor news, weather and official announcements. The most vital information will come from local government.
• Create a buffer between building(s) and potential fire hazards. Remove leaves, debris and flammable materials around the property. For living vegetation, trim and space out trees and shrubs. The first five feet is the most critical, but the buffer can extend up to 100 feet.
• Place fire extinguishers in strategic locations, especially near loading docks and waste collection areas. Inspect these fire extinguishers on a regular basis and ensure they are well-maintained. 
• Keep emergency supplies on hand, including flashlights, battery-powered radios, extra batteries, first-aid kits, nonperishable foods and bottled water.
• In a High-Risk Area? Consider these additions to your property:
  • Install a water tank or hoses in and around building. These devices can help control small fires until emergency personnel arrive.
  • Exterior upgrades to help with fire-resistance, including exterior wall cladding, noncombustible roof coverings (clay and concrete tile, slate, fiber cement and metal shingles and panels) as well as aluminum, steel or copper gutters.

During a Wildfire

• Adhere to all wildfire announcements and evacuation orders. 
• Turn on all interior lights. This can help improve visibility should your building be filled with smoke.    
• Close all doors and windows, but do not lock them. Shut off gas meters, pilot lights and propane tanks.     
• Shut down air-handling systems.    
• Shelter in predetermined areas if there is not enough time to evacuate.
• Mark shelter areas clearly so rescue workers can easily spot anyone remaining onsite.

After a Wildfire

By following these guidelines, your clients can better protect themselves from the dangers of wildfires. It’s crucial to always monitor wildfire activity to best protect health and safety. Interested in learning more ways to keep your home and business safe? Contact us to be connected to our Loss Control team.

Please note, this information is advisory only and does not identify all potential exposures. Sources include Zywave, Inc and Ready.gov (FEMA/DHS).