Disaster Resistance -
Wildfires
The guides in this section of the Disaster Resistance tool focus less on structural fires caused from within, by cooking, heating or electrical malfunctions, and more on the threat that comes from outside, the threat of wildfire to homes located in the wildfire-prone areas. These guides focus on measures builders, contractors and homeowners can take to increase the home’s chances of surviving even without suppression activities by firefighters. Topics covered include home siting, creation of defensible space, and construction materials and techniques.
Description
Overview guide describing wildfire risks and construction strategies to increase the wildfire resistance of homes located in wildland urban interface areas.
Description
An information guide on the best practices of ensuring the safety of those returning to a home after a disaster.
Description
Information guide describing defensible space, fire-resistant materials, and other features to include when designing a home for wildfire resistance.
Description
Information guide describing roof construction techniques and tactics for fire resistance.
Roof Type
Description
Guide discussing disaster resistance related to asphalt shingle roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.
Description
Guide discussing disaster resistance related to clay or concrete tile roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.
Description
Guide discussing disaster resistance related to metal roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.
Description
Guide describing options for designing and locating the thermal boundary at either the attic floor or along the roof line in new and existing homes.
Description
Guide describing the installation of roof vents that are resistant to damage from high winds and entry of wind-borne rain, wildfire embers, or pests.
Description
Guide describing the installation of gutters, downspouts, and alternate options for managing rainwater run-off from roofs.
Walls
Description
Guide describing how to select the siding materials best suited to withstand hazards the home is likely to face within its lifetime.
Description
Guide describing wall assemblies and materials that are resistant to destruction from wildfires.
Windows
Description
Guide describing how to strengthen or protect windows against wind and wind-borne debris during high-wind events including hurricanes and tornados.
Doors
Description
Guide describing the use of doors that are insulated and are impact rated or have protective coverings for resistance to hurricane, high winds, wildfires and thermal losses.
Porches / Carports / Decks
Description
Guide describing how to properly construct decks and other building attachments to be resistant to ignition in the event of a wildfire.
Site
Description
Guide describing how to effectively create defensible space between a residence and potential wildfire fuels in high-risk fire hazard areas.
Equipment
Description
Guide describing different types of gas shutoff valves to shutoff the flow of natural gas into a home to stop gas spills due to an accident or natural disaster.
Description
Guide describing construction of cisterns for fire suppression installed on private residential property.
Description
Guide describing the design and installation of indoor automatic fire sprinklers in residential settings.