Uncomfortable truth: most homeowners aren’t truly prepared for wildfires

Just how protected is your home against wildfires?

Unfortunately, the answer for many families is “not very.”

California is seeing more and more severe fires every year, and these fires present a threat to homeowners and families across the state. Home fire defense is possible, but how does your house stack up? Let’s take a look.

Why are wildfires getting so bad?

There are numerous reasons why California’s wildfires seem to get more and more severe. Although the number of fires seems to be on a downward trend, the severity of these fires is increasing. Why? There are three big reasons:

For starters, you have to look at climate change. Regardless of the cause, the fact is that the California our ancestors settled was wetter than it is today. Dry conditions naturally lead to increased fire risk.

Vegetation density is another issue. California’s ecosystem relies on natural, regular, slow-burning fires to remain healthy. However, changes in wildfire management over the past hundred years has shifted our focus to putting out fires rapidly.

When we put out fires quickly, it leaves more trees standing. Although this seems positive in many ways, having denser forests means more fuel for future fires. In some places, there are nearly ten times as many trees per square mile than just a hundred years ago.

Lastly, you have to consider just how many millions of homes have been built in fire-prone areas over the past few decades. With more people living in these high-risk areas, firefighters must shift their focus to protecting human life and property before they can begin putting out the blaze in earnest.

Luckily, there are several ways to better protect your home and your family against fires (that doesn’t involve moving):

Create defensible space

Your first line of home fire defense in Southern CA should be “defensible space.”

Defensible space is a concept that relies on strategically clearing certain vegetation (and placing others) to create a buffer between your home, other structures on your property, and any trees, shrubs, and wildland areas bordering your property.

Protect your home’s weak points

Eaves, vents and other openings are structural weak points when it comes to fire safety, and can easily allow flames or embers access to your home.

Eaves can be covered with a soffit or boxed in, while vents can be louvered or covered with a wire screen.
Make emergency access easy
Ensure your home’s entryway is clearly marked with your house number. For emergency vehicle access, your driveaway should be a minimum of 12 feet wide, with at least 15 feet of vertical clearance.

When in doubt, PHOS-CHEK

Home fire defense doesn’t get any better than PHOS-CHEK, especially when applied by professionals like FireClear.

We use the same formulation that professional firefighters use when battling California’s biggest blazes. Here are just a few reasons why families all over the state swear by PHOS-CHEK:

California home wildfire defense IS possible…but the sooner you get started, the better. Contact us today for a FREE property assessment, and get peace of mind for your home—and your family.