Wildfire prevention: Advanced protection tips for your home

As wildfires become a common hazard across Canada, homeowners must take proactive steps to protect their property and loved ones. At Westland Insurance, we understand how critical it is to not only prepare for emergencies but to also support long-term prevention efforts.

Here’s how you can level up your wildfire protection plan this year:

1. Firescaping: Design your yard to defend

Firescaping is more than just landscaping—it’s a method of designing your outdoor space to minimize the risk of fire damage while enhancing curb appeal. Key tips include:

• Non-combustible zones: Create a 5-foot barrier around your home using gravel, stone, or concrete instead of wood chips or flammable mulch.
• Lean, clean, and green spaces: Keep your yard tidy by removing dead vegetation, spacing out plants, and maintaining a moisture-rich garden that resists flames.
• Fire-resistant plants: Species like ice plants, aloe, and rockrose hold more moisture and are less likely to ignite.
• Personal fire suppression systems: Home hydrants or sprinkler systems can give you added control if evacuation is necessary.

This form of wildfire prevention is highly effective in reducing the chance that flames will reach your home. Making these small changes can drastically improve your home’s survivability in a fire event. Check out more tips here!

 2. Upgrade vulnerable entry points

Windows, doors, and vents are vulnerable spots where wind-driven embers can enter a home. Consider:

• Tempered glass windows: These resist breaking from extreme heat and flying debris.
• Ember-resistant vents: Install 1/8-inch mesh screens to keep embers out while allowing for airflow.
• Radiant heat barriers: Aluminum fire wraps and radiant shielding materials reflect heat and provide another layer of defense.

Sealing up small gaps is a big step in protecting your home from wildfire damage. While no single solution is foolproof, combining these strategies and technologies can make a big difference.

3. Stay ready with a plan

Even the best defenses require an emergency plan:

• Create a wildfire evacuation plan that includes multiple routes and a communication strategy.
• Prepare a grab-and-go emergency kit with essentials including medications, important documents, chargers, and pet supplies. We’ve created an emergency kit checklist you can use!
• Review your home insurance coverage annually to ensure you’re protected against wildfire-related losses and damages.

Having  comprehensive home insurance tailored to your region ensures you’re financially protected—and gives you peace of mind before, during, and after fire season.

Prevention starts now

Wildfires are unpredictable, but preparation doesn’t have to be. By combining smart landscaping, home upgrades, and insurance planning, you can make your home more resilient. With the right strategies and coverage in place, you can gain greater peace of mind, knowing you’ve done everything possible to reduce your risk.

Speak to an advisor today to review your home insurance and wildfire readiness strategy. If you’re ready to get started on a home insurance quote, click below.

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For additional resources and information, review our dedicated page on wildfire information or refer to the resources available from the Government of Canada.