What homeowners can do to prepare

Last year, I wrote about the homeowners insurance crisis, particularly focusing on wildfire concerns, and briefly touched on how homeowners can help mitigate these risks. At that time, several groups—including fire departments, power companies, insurance agents, and forest services—were working on solutions but often in different directions. Fire departments have been helping homeowners learn how to mitigate their properties and harden their homes, while utility companies work to make power lines safer. Meanwhile, insurance agents have been trying to update how they assess wildfire risk, and state and national forest services are managing fire danger on public lands through thinning and fuel reduction.

As things progressed, efforts have become more coordinated, with a growing focus on not only reducing the actual fire risk but also helping insurance companies assess properties more accurately. At the local level, REALTORS® have been working hard to unite these groups and advocate for better assessment methods. While securing homeowners insurance is vital for our business, we also see it as our responsibility to protect the value of homes and the rights of homeowners. By encouraging homeowners and communities to take small but impactful actions, we can create a ripple effect that leads to safer neighborhoods and potentially lower insurance premiums—benefiting everyone in the foothills.

So, what’s next? As I know this information can be a bit overwhelming and taking action can seem daunting, I’ve gone ahead and created a resource to help guide you through the process- I mean it when I say I’m here to support you! You can find the guide below- give it a glance over and don’t hesitate to reach out to your local REALTOR® for more guidance, they can help point you in the right direction. Who you work with matters; find comfort in an agent that is knowledgeable in regards to this topic, who is experienced and who therefore can be trusted with the safety of your home.

By taking these steps, you not only protect your own home but contribute to the safety of your entire community. The more homeowners take action, the more resilient our neighborhoods become, reducing both wildfire risk and potentially insurance costs as well. If your entire neighborhood becomes fire-ready, not only does everyone benefit from increased safety, but insurance companies may recognize these efforts, resulting in more favorable renewal rates. As we all work together to take action and prepare, we are creating a united, safer foothills community with less risk of wildfire disaster and the trauma that can follow these tragedies.

Wildfire Preparedness: What Homeowners Can Do

As wildfires become more frequent, homeowners in wildfire-prone areas need to take action to protect their homes and communities. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce risk and make your property more resilient to fire.

The key to wildfire preparedness lies in two strategies: mitigation and home hardening. Mitigation involves reducing the likelihood of a fire spreading on your property, while home hardening ensures that your home itself is better able to withstand a wildfire.

Fire Mitigation

Fire mitigation reduces the fuel available for a wildfire, which in turn helps control its spread. Here are a few actions you can take:
Remove ladder fuels: These are smaller, highly flammable materials that allow fire to climb from the ground up to trees or structures. Examples include dry brush, small juniper trees, and low-hanging tree branches. Prune trees so that lower branches are at least 6 feet above the ground.
Thin trees near your home: While clearing your property completely isn't necessary, removing some trees, particularly smaller ones under 6 inches in diameter, can make a big difference.
Create defensible space: Ensure that a buffer zone around your home is free of vegetation or other fuels that could ignite during a fire.

For personalized advice, consider reaching out to a licensed arborist or your local fire department. Some counties require mitigation efforts for new construction, and experts can help ensure you're in compliance with local regulations.

Home Hardening

Home hardening is about making your home more resistant to fire. This can involve:
Using non-combustible materials: Ensure that exterior walls, roofs, and decks are made from fire-resistant materials. For example, Class A fire-resistant composite decking is ideal.
Addressing overlooked fire hazards: Even a small item like a welcome mat can act as kindling and provide fire with a path into your home. Replace highly combustible items around your property with safer alternatives.
Sealing vulnerable areas: Make sure vents, windows, and other openings are sealed to prevent embers from entering your home.

While mitigation addresses the landscape, home hardening focuses on preventing your home from catching fire if embers land on or near it. Both strategies are essential to protect your property.