For First Responders, emergency preparedness is part of the job. But when it comes to protecting your own home and family, it’s easy to put those tasks on the back burner.
As wildfire seasons continue to become longer and more unpredictable across Canada, now is a good time to make sure your property is prepared – whether you live in the city, a rural community, or spend time at the cottage.
While Ontario may not experience wildfires on the same scale as some other provinces every year, wildfire smoke, changing weather patterns and the potential for rapidly changing conditions can still affect communities across the province.
Taking a few simple steps now can help reduce your risk and give you a greater piece of mind throughout the summer.
Start with your property
One of the best ways to help protect your home is by creating a defensible space around it. That simply means reducing anything that could allow a fire to spread more easily.
Consider taking a walk around your property and checking for opportunities to:
- Remove dead leaves, pine needles and other dry debris.
- Clean gutters and rooflines.
- Trim tree branches that hang close to your home.
- Keep grass cut short during dry periods.
- Store firewood, propane tanks and other combustible materials away from buildings.
- Move patio cushions and other flammable outdoor items inside if wildfire conditions are present.
These simple maintenance tasks can also help reduce risks from other summer hazards.
Think about fire-resistant improvements
If home improvements are on your to-do list, consider upgrades that may improve your home’s resilience, including:
- Fire-resistant roofing materials.
- Ember-resistant vents.
- Tempered glass windows.
- Non-combustible landscaping close to your home.
- Regular maintenance of decks, fences and outbuildings.
Every property is different, but even small improvements can make a difference over time.
Have an emergency plan
You spend your career helping others prepare for emergencies. Your family deserves that same level of preparation at home.
Take a few minutes to review:
- Local evacuation routes.
- Emergency contacts.
- Meeting locations for family members.
- Pet care arrangements.
- Emergency alerts available in your municipality.
It’s also a good idea to keep an emergency kit stocked with medications, chargers, important documents, water, food and other essentials.
Don’t forget your insurance
Wildfire season is also a good reminder to review your home insurance coverage.
Ask yourself:
- Have you completed any renovations recently?
- Have you added a detached garage, workshop or shed?
- Is your home’s replacement value still accurate?
- Do you know what coverage is available if you’re temporarily displaced following an insured loss?
- Have you documented your belongings with photos or videos?
Reviewing your coverage before you need it can help avoid surprises later.
Protecting the people who protect our communities
As a First Responder, you know that preparation often makes all the difference.
Taking a few simple steps around your property today can help reduce risk and make your home more resilient during wildfire season.
If you’d like to review your home insurance coverage or discuss your options, the team at Medallion Group Insurance is proud to support Ontario’s First Responder community with advice and coverage designed with your needs in mind.