In California, wildfire season used to start in May and end in October. However, with the drought and dry weather as contributing factors, fire season begins earlier and ends later each year, with some experts suggesting that the fire season in California is now year-round.
Wildfires have become the new normal.
The lessons we learned after the Woolsey Fire will help us mitigate the danger. Learn home hardening techniques and how to create a defensible space.
“Home hardening is recommended by CalFire and insurance companies as one of the best ways to protect homes from fires and limit the spread of wildfires in a community,” explains EPIC-FSC President Brian Cameron. “That’s why we’ve partnered with the experts at CalFire and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains to help our Calabasas neighbors with a free property assessment inspection to harden homes against wildfires.”
There are three ways homes can be exposed to wildfire:
- Direct flames from a wildfire or burning neighboring home
- Radiant heat from nearby burning plants or structures.
- Flying embers which can destroy homes up to a mile away.
EPIC-FSC’s mission is to harden all 8,400 homes in Calabasas, prioritizing and protecting human life, existing structures, and the unique habitat of the community.
ASK
Learn from the EPIC-FSC experts about the risks in your community, how you can mitigate them, and be prepared.
ASSESS
Schedule your FREE Home Hardening Assessment to know what you can do to protect yourself and your home.
ACTION
Take advantage of the recommended actions that will help you to be safe and ready for all potential disasters.
Members of EPIC-FSC have learned how to harden your home from CalFire experts and are ready to help their neighbors increase the likelihood of survival when a wildfire strikes. During one of the free assessments, a certified expert from the non-profit meets with local residents, sharing important info on retrofitting their property with ignition-resistant or noncombustible materials designed to protect against the threat of flying embers, direct flame contact, and radiant heat exposure.
Actions homeowners can take to prepare for a wildfire include:
- Use or install fire ignition-resistant materials around your home.
- Remove vegetation or debris from your roof, vents, windows, deck and gutters.
- Inspect home for dry rot, gaps or cracks. Caulk gaps greater than 1/8-inch.
- Create and maintain the required 100 feet of Defensible Space.
- Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of four inches.
- Ensure all combustible materials are located 30 feet away from your home.
- For more Defensible Space actions, Calabasas residents are encouraged to schedule a free home hardening assessment.