California is facing another dry year and the state is bracing for an intense wildfire season.
Over 73% of California remains in Extreme Drought, with over 37 million Californians in a drought area. As dry conditions continue to persist, it’s not a matter of if but when a wildfire will be heading your way.
Tips for staying prepared during fire season:
CREATE DEFENSIBLE SPACE AROUND YOUR HOME
Defensible space is the required space between your home and the wildland area that helps to create a buffer to slow the spread of wildfires to a structure. It also protects your home from inciting due to direct flames or radiant heat.
MORE TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HOME AND PROPERTY SAFER DURING WILDFIRE SEASON:
• Remove dead vegetation from plants and lower branches from tall trees.
• Keep the gutters, roof and outdoor spaces free of debris like leaves and twigs.
• Clear out window screens and attic vents.
• Move firewood at least 30 feet from the house.
• Use roofing materials with a Class A fire rating (the highest).
• Install metal angle flashing at the edge of the roof.
• Box-in eaves that have an open construction (i.e., where rafter tails are visible).
• Install metal flashing where wood decking meets the siding (if the siding is combustible).
• Replace single-pane windows with multi-pane, tempered glass windows with screens.
PUT TOGETHER AN EMERGENCY KIT
Have your emergency kit ready and make sure to include:
• Important documents or possessions
• Medications
• N95 masks
• A first aid kit
• Water and food to take with you
• Tools including a flashlight, batteries, manual can opener, portable chargers for your phone/devices
• Don’t forget to prep for your pets as well with extra water, food, bowls.
Be sure to sign up for local warning system notifications. You can do that by visiting the County’s Ready San Diego page here.
MORE TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HOME AND PROPERTY SAFER DURING WILDFIRE SEASON
• Remove dead vegetation from plants and lower branches from tall trees.
• Keep the gutters, roof and outdoor spaces free of debris like leaves and twigs.
• Clear out window screens and attic vents.
• Move firewood at least 30 feet from the house.
• Use roofing materials with a Class A fire rating (the highest).
• Install metal angle flashing at the edge of the roof.
• Box-in eaves that have an open construction (i.e., where rafter tails are visible).
• Install metal flashing where wood decking meets the siding (if the siding is combustible).
• Replace single-pane windows with multi-pane, tempered glass windows with screens.