7 steps for a wildfire-ready commercial property

Wildfire season in the U.S. typically runs from July-October, but in recent years the risk has grown to become a year-round threat, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IIBHS).

“While some parts of the West have benefited from snow and rain that have eased drought conditions, it will lead to vegetation growth that can fuel future wildfires,” Faraz Hedayati, IIBHS lead research engineer, said in a release. “Now is the ideal time to develop a plan and begin making changes to reduce the wildfire risk for your home or business.”

To better help commercial property owners protect their investments, the IIBHS has developed the following seven-step mitigation plan:

1. Establish a preparedness plan

Create a business continuity plan, which should include assessing the facilities and identifying any critical assets or operational functions that could be impeded by a wildfire. Other important things to include in the plan are establishing emergency response teams that will be responsible for executing the continuity plan, defining evacuation procedures and installing any offsite or cloud based backup system.

2. Check, maintain the roof and gutters

Establish a routine maintenance plan that keeps the roof, gutters and downspouts clear of all debris, including leaves and pine needles.

“Embers will find a vulnerability, so it is critical that property owners take all the mitigation actions research shows will improve overall structural resilience as they work together to provide the best protection,” Hedayati said.

Further, ensure the roof is Class A fire-resistant, and replace any plastic gutters with metal gutters.

3. Install ember-resistant vents

If ember-resistant vents can’t be found, IIBHS recommends using 1/8-inch metal wire mesh. Be sure to clean the vent screens periodically.

Additionally, spark arrestors should be installed at the outlet of all chimneys.

4. Install noncombustible material at the base of exterior walls

Keep a minimum of 6 vertical inches of siding material at the base of the building and from any attached decks, ramps, patios or balconies. Brick, stone, stucco, fiber-cement siding and exposed concrete foundation are all suitable materials.

5. Keep decks and patios debris free

Remove any vegetation and combustible furniture. Any planters or mats should be easy to move indoors during red flag days. Be sure to keep the area under decks clear.

Ramps and decks 4 feet or less from the ground should be enclosed by 1/8 inch or finer metal mesh or noncombustible wall coverings.

For hotels and motels, staff should be prepared to remove all items from balconies and patios.

6. Create a 5-foot noncombustible buffer

Remove vegetation, mulch and other combustible ground coverings, and trim back branches handing into the 5-foot area. Combusting fencing within the 5-foot radius should also be replaced.

The IIBHS also recommends installing hardscaping in the buffer zone.

7. Extend defensible space

Cut grass to 4 inches at the most and keep watered when possible. Make sure areas around fences and under gates are free of debris, keep trees and choose low-growing, fire-resistant plants when landscaping the business.

Related:

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• ‘Hurricane-proofing’ buildings isn’t enough to curb Florida’s storm losses
• How employers can champion employees’ wellbeing during natural disasters