DFSC news: Maui lessons, Zone 0, our new Executive Director, and pancakes!

DFSC Welcomes New Executive Director

Diablo Firesafe Council is proud to announce the hiring of Holly Million as our new Executive Director. A passionate 32-year veteran of the nonprofit world, Holly brings deep knowledge of nonprofit management, fundraising, communications, and partnership-building to this role, having worked as an executive director, director of development, fundraising consultant, and board member for scores of organizations throughout her career.

We also offer special thanks to outgoing E.D. Cheryl Miller as she moves into retirement. Her many years of tireless effort developed DFSC into the successful organization it is today.

SPOTLIGHT: Maui and the Value of Zone 0

Photos of the ‘miracle’ house that survived Lahaina’s devastating wildfire are stark reminders that home hardening works. The wood-walled house quickly became a prime example of the many ways we can protect our homes.

The value of ‘Zone 0’ fire defense was especially clear. Keeping that 5-foot perimeter clear means embers traveling from nearby fires simply die out when they land. When vegetation burns against a building it compromises walls and soffits with continual flame, and embers are more likely to make their way inside.

Zone 0 comparison with and without precautions.

A report from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety points out that many other homes that also survived, including entire communities. What did they have in common? Nearly all of them met newer standards of construction, including many recommended or required by our own fire districts:

Metal or asphalt roofing.
Non-combustible exterior materials.
High-wind rated off-ridge attic vents.
Minimal landscape vegetation between houses.

As the miracle house proved, simple choices and changes to an older building make a huge difference. Follow our 5 Things You Can Do Around Your House to significantly reduce your risk now.

Clear Signs: Firefighters Need House Numbers

Easily identifiable house numbers are important for all emergency responses, particularly in wildfires. Firefighters need to be able to identify locations through darkness and smoke.

House numbers should:

Read left-to-right, not vertically.
Be highly reflective and ideally glow-in-the-dark.
Be numerical, not spelled out.
Be at both the roadside and on the house itself.

Communities with shared access roads should also post house numbers where roads begin or divide. Immediately seeing which way to go saves valuable time and prevents confusion when emergency responders arrive.

Ask your local fire district for specifications and share the information with your neighbors. It’s a small investment for life-saving protection.

Free Smoke Alarms Available in Contra Costa

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is providing free smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors. Free installation is available for anyone over 60 years old or homeowners of any age with disabilities.

If your home does not have a working smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector, or if yours is over 10 years old, fill out the Smoke Alarm Request Form to get yours now.

Save the Date: MOFD Pancake Breakfast

The Moraga-Orinda Fire District hosts its annual Fall Open House and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, October 14, from 8:00 am to 10:30 am.
All proceeds benefit the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation

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This newsletter is part of a communications initiative made possible by generous support from CAL FIRE and California Climate Investments. Please subscribe for updates and tips for preparation throughout the year.