Drought conditions continue across a large swath of the Midwestern, Western and Pacific regions of the United States. From the eastern Rockies extending westward to the Pacific Ocean, precipitation has been below normal for many months and subsequently drought continues to intensify. The United States Department of Agriculture has categorized the western half of Kansas and Oklahoma, northern Texas, eastern New Mexico, eastern Nevada and nearly all of California as suffering from extreme or exceptionally extreme drought conditions.
Extreme drought conditions not only threaten water levels, crops and livestock, they also increase the risk of out-of-control wildfires. California has already declared a state of emergency in San Diego County this year, and firefighters have responded to well over 1,500 wildfires to date, far above the annual average of 800. In areas susceptible to this threat, it is critical for homeowners to prepare for fire threats and take precautions to eliminate fire hazards.
To cut down on the amount of combustible material that will burn on or around your home, officials advise creating a “defensible space” around the perimeter. Defensible space is used to slow or stop the spread of fire to prevent your home from being burned by direct flames or radiant heat. The wider the clearing and the lower the amount of combustible material, the greater the odds are your home will be able to survive an intense wildfire. Such a space also creates room for firefighters to defend your home.
Gutters filled with dry leaves and needles provide ready fuel for wildfires, therefore clean gutters are crucial to the defensible space around your home. Thoroughly clean gutters and roof areas where debris collects at least twice a year. To eliminate this chore and provide ongoing fire resistance, call a local dealer of Gutter Helmet®, the best gutter guard system available. These metal gutter guards not only offer effective long-term protection against debris accumulating in gutters, they also will not ignite – unlike vinyl gutter guards.
To learn more about how Gutter Helmet® can protect your home and request a FREE, no-obligation quote, call 800-824-3772 or click here.
