World

3 Smart Strategies to Protect Your Home From Wildfires

Published

4 years ago

March 29, 2021

For many, wildfires are synonymous with destruction. They can create unmeasurable havoc and cost the lives of both humans and wildlife. On the other hand, controlled forest fires present several benefits to the environment, such as clearing grasses and bushes to prevent future fires, removing forest debris, eliminating unwanted insects and diseases, and accessibility to more nutrients due to the exposed sunlight.

In the United States, from 2011 until 2020, more than 60,000 wildfires were recorded annually, and an average of 7.5 million acres was destroyed yearly. As a homeowner, wildfires can only mean unnecessary stress and financial damages. Here are some necessary measures that you can take to protect your home from this undesirable catastrophe.

Invest in high-quality non-flammable housing materials

It might be easier to fire-proof your house if you are in the construction stage, since you can build it entirely with fire-resistant materials. For existing homeowners, an alternative would be to install materials that could prevent your house from burning. Consider replacing your roof with non-combustible material such as tile, slate, concrete, copper, metal, and clay. Reroofing could be expensive, but a quality roof will prove to be a worthy investment over time. Embers from a nearby wildfire can creep inside your house through your roof, walls, or windows, so ensure that all exterior openings are adequately covered.

Replace your windows with fire-resistant glass such as tempered or double-plane, as they can effectively withstand high-temperatures. You can also install smoke alarms and high-performance exterior sprinklers. If possible, cover your outside walls with durable materials such as bricks, gypsums, and concretes.

Keep your house clean at all costs

A clean house has a higher chance of reducing the damage caused by wildfires or even regular house fires. Make sure to regularly clean your gutters to avoid the build-up of dried leaves and if you have a wood deck, remove dried plants or vegetation. Secure the surroundings of your house and keep fire-hazards such as firewood piles, grills, propane tanks, and even organic fertilizers at least 30 feet away from your home. Remove low-hanging tree branches, and try not to overcrowd your plants when gardening.

Collaborate with your neighbors and consider alternatives

If you live in a heavily-populated community, there is a higher chance that wildfires will spread faster, so everyone in your neighborhood must be on the same page when it comes to fire prevention. Your community will be safer if everyone is properly educated, and keep in mind that fire safety is a collective effort. Discuss with your neighbors about possible programs that your community can participate in or precautions that you can take within your area. Remember that in any scenario, having a proactive approach is almost always better than a reactive one.

It is also vital that your house is insured. Ensure that your fire insurance covers wildfires, and do not hesitate to get assistance from a public adjuster such as TSO Adjustment Service to help you with your claim.

It is vital for homeowners, especially those living in fire-hazard zones, to safeguard their homes from wildfires. By doing so, you are giving your loved ones a higher fighting chance of surviving this unfortunate event.

World

Turkish Textile Giant Sun Textile Solution Proposal for Drought

Published

3 weeks ago

February 4, 2025

Jenny Jackson

While the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) are seeking solutions to combat drought through various projects, Ekoten Textile, a subsidiary of Turkey’s textile giant Sun Textile, has developed a groundbreaking project in collaboration with a technology startup to minimize the intensive water consumption in the textile industry. This pioneering project, the first of its kind globally, will enable the recycling and reuse of up to 90% of the water used in textile production.

Drought is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. According to WHO data, 40% of the global population is struggling with water scarcity. By 2030, up to 700 million people could be forced to migrate due to drought. The unconscious use of water in global production processes plays a significant role in the rapid depletion of clean water resources.

The textile industry is one of the sectors with the highest water consumption. In Turkey, while the food industry consumes 22% of the water used for industrial purposes, the textile sector follows closely with 18%. For instance, producing an average of 40 tons of products daily requires 2,500 tons of water, equivalent to the daily water consumption of approximately 10,000 people.

CLEAN WATER RESOURCES FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EVERY DAY!

In textile production, where clean water resources are heavily consumed, the innovative success of the Turkish company stands out as a global best practice. This initiative will shape the future of the industry. The wastewater recycling project, developed through intensive R&D efforts, will ensure that over 90% of the required water is sourced from recycled supplies.

The reuse of wastewater in production will transform the fate of countries operating in the textile sector. By preventing the use of clean water resources for textile production, this project will free up clean water sources that can meet the daily needs of hundreds of thousands of people.

R&D ACTIVITIES IN 38 COUNTRIES WITH 380 PARTNERS!

Sun Textile places great emphasis on R&D activities, conducting research and development efforts with 380 partners across 38 countries. Sun Textile and its subsidiary Ekoten Textile export nearly 90% of their production, solidifying their identity as a leading exporter. The company ships products to numerous destinations worldwide, including European countries, the UK, and the US. Sun Textile, the leading ready-to-wear exporter in the Aegean Region, achieved a consolidated turnover of 250 million euros in the third quarter of 2024, continuing its active growth trajectory.

OFFERING CUSTOM DESIGNS TO CUSTOMERS

Sun Textile provides its own designed collections to leading brands in Europe and the UK. Ekoten Textile, its subsidiary, is among the most respected knitted fabric manufacturers in Turkey and Europe.

With a dedicated sales team for each major customer group and five design offices in three different countries, Sun Textile creates designs tailored to its customers’ needs. Its largest clients include the Inditex Group, H&M, Jimmy Key, Tesco, Kiabi, Marks & Spencer, and Next.

Sun Textile also extends its sustainability approach to social responsibility, notably for its high ratio of female employees. The company, which went public in 2022, is also listed in dividend indexes.