World

3 Smart Strategies to Protect Your Home From Wildfires

Published

5 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

Swiss International University Enhances Student Employability with Major Global Collaborations

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2025

Jenny Jackson

New collaborations with Citibank, Abu-Ghazaleh Global, RAK Properties, and others strengthen SIU’s commitment to connecting academic learning with global career opportunities.

Swiss International University (SIU) has already informed about the new corporate partnerships that will start in October 2025 and that they will provide students with better access to internships, training programs, and job opportunities in various fields.

The new partnerships are aligned with SIU’s goal to combine education with the real world, as they ensure that the graduates are equipped with the required knowledge, skills, and professional exposure to be successful in the global economy of today.

In the last few weeks, SIU has formed alliances with several major companies, including those from the banking, business, hospitality, real estate, and consulting sectors. The students will be actively involved in each collaboration through internships, practical training, and the career opportunities that will be given to them during or after their studies.

Among the key collaborations are

Citibank, where students of the business and finance fields will get to experience international banking operations through special training and possible hiring programs.

Abu-Ghazaleh Global has given SIU’s programs its official blessing and access to practical experience in global business, accounting, and consulting.

RAK Properties is going to give real estate and business students a chance to learn about property development, investment, and project management.

The Signature Inn Hotel Al Riqa L.L.C. offers students of hospitality a chance through real-life interrelated scenarios to gain the knowledge of front-office operations and guest management.

Al Shabaka International Businessmen Services is opening a door for the students to meet the professionals involved in global business consulting and administration.

Galadari Motor Driving Center, where students will get a clear insight into corporate management, customer relations, and operational efficiency.

Women’s First Jobs is going to help female students and graduates through career counseling, professional networking, and empowerment initiatives.

MyFounders.Club Global is building up the students and aspiring founders in terms of innovation and entrepreneurship by taking them through the process of developing and launching new ventures.

Revival AE Project Development Consultant Co., L.L.C., where students will be working on consulting for sustainable projects and environmental management.

“The partnerships that we have formed represent our commitment not only to the business world but also to the world of academia,” said the Head of Swiss International University. “We are aspiring to equip every student in SIU with the power to win the global job market through robust academic credentials, practical exposure, and a web of real opportunities. Our target is not a teacher-student relationship whose only need is the job—our students will be the ones making changes in the various fields of tomorrow.”

The academic world and the global market are the two areas where SIU, collaborating with partners at the present time, shows the institution’s continued commitment to creating a career-oriented academic environment where learning takes place beyond the walls of the classrooms.

The deadline of October 2025 is approaching, but the university is still looking to make new strategic partnerships to grow its network of global partners. It is clear from the continuous activities of the university that it is striving to offer its students worldwide the possibility of not only utilizing their skills but also being a part of the industry via employment and thus empowering them to make a difference in international markets.