Wildfire Prevention 101 - Part 1
It’s no secret that wildfires are an ever more concerning issue here in California. It’s officially become a year-round problem, and an issue that is not likely to go away anytime soon. As a Realtor®, it’s my goal to help inform and educate property owners on fire prevention and home hardening. Landowners, homeowners insurers, communities and policymakers all have a shared interest in helping to prevent fire damage.
Recently, the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) hosted a webinar for its membership titled, Climate Change and Housing: Strategies to Cope with the impacts of wildfires. I wanted to pass along some useful information that you can put to use to help mitigate your wildfire risk.
C.A.R.’s statement about the webinar… “California’s commitment to advancing ambitious climate goals cannot ignore the impact of wildfires on communities across the state and the need for protection, policies, and resiliency measures to mitigate the most damaging effects of climate change. As wildfires and heat waves become commonplace concerns in the state, it’s clear that California needs a comprehensive action plan to reduce wildfire risk, improve environmental conditions, adapt insurance needs, and accelerate action to combat climate change. Additionally, it’s important to consider how we can empower property owners, homeowners, local governments, and pertinent stakeholders to proactively reduce wildfire hazards to minimize the loss of property and life and be active participants in advancing effective solutions. Among the key approaches to wildfire resiliency and preparation is collaboration with the insurance industry to ensure protective policies are available and affordable for all Californians who are at risk of climate change-intensified wildfires.”
The webinar was a wealth of information from an impressive panel of experts.
Moderated by Otto Catrina, 2022 C.A.R. President
Panelists
Karen Collins - Assistant Vice President The American Property Casualty Insurance Association
Chief Jim McDougald - Division Chief, State of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Stephanie Pinceti, PhD. - Chair of Environmental Science and CA Center for Sustainable Communities, UCLA
If you’re interested in watching the webinar in its entirety, you can do so here.
Fire Prevention 101 tips
The good news, there is SO MUCH you can do as a property owner and/or homeowner to help mitigate fire damage. Where you live, building material and design, creating defensible space, plant choices for your yard and land, how you manage your landscape…the list goes on and on. But don’t take it from me, the experts have designed a very cool interactive website to help you make immediate changes to your home and land. Not only can your home become a designated “Wildfire Prepared Home” but by doing so you may receive an insurance discount! That’s a win/win! Get all the info here!’
The topic of wildfire prevention will be one I come back to often, again. Keep your eyes open for Part 2 soon!
P.S.
Reminder - Fire vegetation abatement deadline was May 31st. In case you missed it, Elation’s Head of Marketing/Sales Agent, Fifty was doing his part to remind you of the deadline. To stay on top of all your property-related information, follow us on Instagram @erikawesthoffrealestate or connect with us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/erikawesthoffrealestate