Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense across many regions including California, making preparedness essential for homeowners. While you can’t control the path of a fire, you can take important steps to protect your home and increase the chances of it surviving a wildfire. Here’s a practical guide to help you prepare your home before fire season hits.

1. Create Defensible Space

The most effective way to protect your home is by creating defensible space—a buffer between your house and surrounding vegetation.

• Zone 1: 0–5 feet from the home
  Remove all flammable materials, including mulch, firewood, and patio furniture. Use gravel or stone landscaping, and maintain a well-irrigated, fire-resistant garden.

• Zone 2: 5–30 feet from the home
  Keep grass short (under 4 inches), trim trees regularly, and remove dead vegetation. Space trees at least 10 feet apart.

• Zone 3: 30–100 feet
  Thin out trees and remove heavy brush. Keep this area as open as possible to slow down the spread of fire.

2. Harden Your Home

Even if embers never touch the ground, they can still ignite your home through vulnerable spots. Consider these upgrades:

• Roofing: Replace wood or shingle roofs with fire-resistant materials like metal, tile, or Class A asphalt shingles.

• Vents: Install ember-resistant vents with 1/8-inch mesh to prevent embers from entering your attic or crawl space.

• Windows: Use dual- or triple-pane tempered glass, which is more heat-resistant than single-pane.

• Siding: Use non-combustible materials like stucco, metal, or fiber-cement.

3. Prepare Emergency Supplies

Have a wildfire emergency kit ready at all times. Essentials include:

• N95 masks (to protect from smoke)

• Flashlights and batteries

• First aid kit

• Important documents (stored in a fireproof safe or backed up digitally)

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)

• Non-perishable food

• Medications and pet supplies

4. Plan for Evacuation

Know your community’s evacuation routes and create a plan with your family:

• Set up a communication plan in case you get separated.

• Keep gas tanks at least half full during fire season.

• Store go-bags in an easily accessible spot.

• Practice loading pets, valuables, and supplies quickly.

5. Stay Informed

Sign up for local emergency alerts and follow fire departments and city officials on social media. Apps like Watch Duty, FEMA, or Red Cross Emergency can provide real-time updates.

6. Don’t Wait to Prepare

The time to prepare is before the smoke is in the air. A few days of work now can mean the difference between a close call and a devastating loss. Take action this season to give your home and loved ones the best chance of safety.

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