8 ways to protect your home from wildfires
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 9:15 pm
Protect Your Home From Wildfires: 8 Essential Tips from Mercury Insurance
As wildfire season intensifies across the Western and Southern United States, homeowners are facing increasing risks. Mercury Insurance, with decades of experience in high-risk zones, is offering crucial advice to help homeowners proactively protect their properties. Taking action now can significantly reduce the risk of damage and give firefighters a better chance of saving your home.
Kelly Butler, Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer at Mercury Insurance, emphasizes the importance of homeowner preparedness. "Homeowners play a critical role in defending their properties before wildfires even begin," she states.
Mercury Insurance provides an eight-point checklist for wildfire protection:
1. Create Defensible Space: Clear dry vegetation and flammable debris within five feet of your home, and maintain a 30-foot buffer zone.
2. Use Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Opt for gravel paths and native, fire-resistant plants.
3. Harden Your Home's Exterior: Upgrade to fire-resistant siding and roofing, seal gaps, and install ember-resistant vent screens.
4. Clean Gutters and Rooflines: Regularly remove leaves and debris.
5. Store Flammable Materials Away: Keep firewood, propane tanks, and outdoor tools at least 30 feet away.
6. Utilize Smart Fire Technology: Consider outdoor sensors, sprinkler systems, and Wi-Fi cameras.
7. Check Your Insurance Coverage Regularly: Review your homeowners insurance annually to ensure it reflects your home's value.
8. Build a Relationship with Your Insurance Agent: A local Mercury agent can provide coverage guidance and recommend safety upgrades.
Mercury Insurance emphasizes the importance of having a trusted insurance agent to guide you through coverage updates and provide support during unexpected events. They offer homeowners insurance that may include wildfire coverage, along with resources to help you prepare. Visit www.mercuryinsurance.com to learn more.
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