The recent atmospheric rivers that hit California are an excellent reminder to prepare homes and families for the next wildfire. The abundant Spring rains will bring a bloom of greenery that, come, Summer, will likely die and become the kind of flammable material wildfires thrive on.
free wildfire home hardening assessments
Calabasas nonprofit EPIC-FSC has helped 100 neighbors get prepared through free wildfire home hardening assessments. The fire safe council hopes to help all Calabasas residents mitigate risks, survive emergency events, and recover from fires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
By taking action long before a wildfire threatens the community, homeowners can make their structures safer and address vulnerabilities.
Prioritizing and protecting human life
EPIC-FSC assessments could save families and property, and by following the recommendations, also save money
A group of concerned Calabasas residents created EPIC-FSC following the 2018 Woolsey Fire. The volunteers have learned how to harden homes from the experts at CalFire and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains. Their mission is to harden all 8,400 homes in Calabasas, prioritizing and protecting human life, existing structures, and the unique habitat of the community.
Calabasas residents can schedule a free home hardening assessment by visiting the EPIC-FSC website. These assessments could not only save families and property but by following the recommendations, also can save money.
New policy
“The state is currently rolling out a new policy that holds homeowners accountable for the vulnerability of their house and landscape to wildfire and ember-ignition,” explains EPIC-FSC President Brian Cameron.
“It all begins by creating adequate defensible space, something locals need to get up to speed on immediately."
What is Defensible Space?
Creating more defensible space around homes is a critical aspect of protecting the community
Defensible Space is the required 100 feet of buffer zone homeowners need to create between their home and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it.
Creating more defensible space around homes is a critical aspect of protecting the Calabasas community, providing a barrier to slow, or even halt, the progress of fire that would otherwise engulf a property. It also helps ensure the safety of firefighters.
Assessment from EPIC-FSC
During an assessment with EPIC-FSC, an evaluator will review defensible space and home hardening principles, making specific recommendations to the homeowner.
Evaluations are performed by trained volunteers and take about 45 to 60 minutes to complete. A summary of all the recommendations and additional resources and materials is provided at the end of the evaluation.
Cost savings
New rules mandate that insurance companies reward consumers who take wildfire safety and mitigation actions
Not only will homeowners help mitigate risks for their homes and community, but they will also save money and retain their insurance policies.
California has become the first state in the nation to require insurance premium discounts for owners of homes and businesses made safer from wildfires. Under the state's Safer From Wildfires framework, the new rules mandate that insurance companies reward consumers who take wildfire safety and mitigation actions.
Reduce and manage risk
In addition to home hardening assessments for wildfire mitigation, EPIC-FSC has created a definitive plan to help residents reduce and manage risk when it comes to any natural disaster.
For example, EPIC-FSC’s Emergency Communication for Home Occupants (ECHO) platform complements the City's Emergency Response Program (CERP) Radio Team, both designed to offer basic disaster response skills before, during, and after fires and earthquakes. The organization will help residents purchase and use a radio to maintain communication during and after an incident.