Where Do I Start?
First, take a deep breath.
There is a lot you can do just one day at a time, one task at a time, or one yard at a time.
Start by focusing on any task and keep at it. Your efforts will add up. If you see thistle, fennel, poison hemlock, French broom — cut them or pull them. Pick up dead branches when you see them on the ground and prune those dry shrubs by your house. It can be that simple.
Below are 5 things you can do that are affordable, simple, and often just part of good maintenance. And if you have bigger goals in mind, scroll down for tips on larger projects.
5 Things You Can Do Around Your House:
Sweep your walkways, patios and decks regularly to remove leaves, needles and other combustible materials that may gather against your house. Remove vegetative debris (leaves, pine needles, twigs) from your gutters and roof.
Remove combustible materials from under your deck. If you have no other storage option, install non-combustible siding around deck perimeter. Be sure to adequately ventilate the area to minimize chance of rot from water. The UCANR Wildfire Preparation site offers specific guidance and ideas.
Caulk any openings along the top or bottom of wall siding or around windows where gaps could allow embers to enter your home.
Store your deck furniture, children’s toys and other combustible items inside if a wildfire threatens. Embers coming in contact with flammable materials is the major reason why homes are destroyed during wildfires.
Screen your vents under eaves and at the foundation. Cover them with 1/8 mesh metal screens. Finer mesh will require more maintenance to keep free of debris. Remember to keep air flowing freely to manage moisture in attic or under your house. Vents are vulnerable entry points for embers and flames. For more information on covering your vents, UCANR has a detailed guide.
For more tips on how to protect your home, CAL FIRE offers a Low-Cost Retrofit List. We also recommend reviewing The Insurance Institute for Building & Home Safety Home Preparedness Guide.
And when you are ready to collaborate with neighbors consider becoming a Firewise community!
Get Assistance!
Learn more about our programs and how to apply for assistance.
Going a Step Further
Maybe you have a bigger vision and see goats grazing near your children’s school. Or a crew working on the hillside below your homes. Here are four key things to keep in mind as you begin:
1. If you imagine it is a fire hazard, it probably is. So get to work:
Mowing and “weed wacking”.
Brush cutting and broom bashing.
Tree trimming or “limbing up” and thinning (cutting of small trees).
Removing dead materials and chipping what you’ve cut.
2. You help me and I’ll help you. Ask your friends or neighbors.
It is often easiest to start with those friends and neighbors you know. Ask if they would help you with a weekend cleanup, with the promise that you will help them the following week. Friends and neighbors often have tools and know-how they are pleased to share. And everyone benefits when you work together to be fire safe.
3. Professionals are here to help.
Your local fire department and Diablo Firesafe Council staff can help you prioritize what actions will give you the most protection. Contact us to see how we can help.
If you need help arranging professional services, or want cost-sharing support, DFSC is ready to assist with both. We are familiar with services that understand fire prevention, and our volunteers have experience managing a variety of projects. We also offer up to $5,000 of cost-sharing funds for several projects every year.
4. Leverage.
Build upon other activities. Many neighborhood success stories start with one person who sees an opportunity to leverage their work with the work of others. Soon a chipping day is developed, a school service project underway, or a long-term fuel reduction project a community focus.
