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How to Prepare Your Home for Fire Season

In California and many parts of the West, fire season is no longer a distant possibility — it’s a recurring reality. As summers grow hotter and drier, it’s critical for homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their property, belongings, and loved ones.


Whether you live near wildlands or in a suburban neighborhood, preparing your home for fire season isn’t just smart — it’s essential. This guide will walk you through the most important fire-proofing strategies to minimize risk and maximize safety.


🚨 1. Understand Your Fire Risk Zone

Not all areas face the same threat. Start by determining your home’s fire risk level:


✅ How to check:

  • Visit Cal Fire’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map

  • Contact your local fire department or county planning office


High fire-risk zones may have stricter regulations about defensible space and roofing materials — knowing your status helps guide your action plan.


🧯 2. Create Defensible Space Around Your Home

Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home and flammable vegetation. It slows the spread of fire and gives firefighters a better chance to protect your property.


Cal Fire recommends three zones:


Zone 1: 0–5 feet (Immediate Zone)

  • Remove all dead vegetation, mulch, or flammable debris

  • Replace wood chips with gravel or hardscape

  • Keep roofs, gutters, and decks free of pine needles and leaves


Zone 2: 5–30 feet (Intermediate Zone)

  • Mow grass to 4 inches or less

  • Trim trees so lowest branches are at least 6–10 feet from the ground

  • Create space between shrubs and trees


Zone 3: 30–100 feet (Extended Zone)

  • Reduce dense vegetation

  • Eliminate ladder fuels (low branches that can ignite higher ones)

  • Maintain healthy, spaced-out trees and shrubs


🏠 3. Harden Your Home Against Embers

Wind-blown embers are a leading cause of home ignition during wildfires. Here's how to make your home ember-resistant:


✅ Checklist:

  • Install metal mesh screens (⅛ inch) on attic and crawl space vents

  • Seal gaps in roof eaves, decking, and siding

  • Replace wood shake roofs with fire-resistant materials like composition or metal

  • Enclose decks and patios

  • Use double-paned or tempered glass windows


🧳 4. Prepare an Emergency Plan and Go Bag

If evacuation becomes necessary, you’ll want to act fast. Every household should have:

✅ Evacuation Plan

  • Multiple escape routes from home and neighborhood

  • A communication plan if family members are separated

  • Pet evacuation plan (crates, leashes, food, and water)

✅ Emergency Supply Kit

  • Important documents (insurance, ID, deeds, etc.)

  • Flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, masks, medications

  • Bottled water, snacks, pet supplies

  • Change of clothes, phone chargers, and cash


🧾 5. Review Your Insurance Coverage

Fire season is also a good time to review and update your homeowners insurance policy.

✅ Make sure it covers:

  • Full cost of rebuilding, not just current market value

  • Fire damage (especially if you live in a high-risk zone)

  • Additional living expenses if you’re displaced

Pro Tip: Take a home inventory (photos + item values) and store it digitally or in the cloud.


🔧 6. Stay Maintenance Ready All Season

Fire preparation is not a one-and-done task—it’s an ongoing responsibility:

  • Clean gutters, roofs, and yards weekly during fire season

  • Store firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet away from the home

  • Test smoke alarms monthly and change batteries twice a year

  • Check that outdoor hoses can reach all parts of the home


📲 7. Sign Up for Local Alerts

Stay informed about wildfires in your area with real-time alerts:


✅ Recommended resources:

  • Cal Fire App: Ready for Wildfire

  • Sacramento Alert System (or your county's emergency alert system)

  • NOAA Weather Radio or local news notifications


✅ Final Thoughts

Fire season may be unavoidable, but disaster isn't. Taking proactive steps now—clearing defensible space, hardening your home, and preparing for emergencies—can protect your home and give your family peace of mind.


Fire prevention starts with preparation. Don’t wait until smoke is in the air—start protecting your home today.


Your NorCal Realtor

M&M Real Estate

BRE Lic# 01938720

Cell: Call/Text 707-330-2324


About Scott Sweeney


SweeneySells

Full Time Realtor 13 Years +

Over 100 Families Served

Top 5% Producing Agent

Buying & Listing Specialist

Contract & Negotiation Ninja

CSUS Business & Marketing Graduate 2006


With quickly serving over a 100 families, Scott Sweeney has become a top 5% producing Realtor in the greater Sacramento area who has helped clients from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe. Scott has a Bachelor Of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing from CSUS. His education, and extensive background in the hospitality, marketing, and real estate industries, have helped Scott to become one of the leading, and most sought after agents in the area.


Reach out to SweeneySells today, and take the first step towards your real estate goals!

📞707-330-2324




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