As wildfire seasons grow increasingly intense across the country, it's more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect your home. Fortunately, a new state program called “Safer from Wildfires” — a collaboration between California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and emergency response agencies — is here to help you do just that. Not only does the program guide wildfire resilience, but it also offers a wildfire insurance discount for those who follow the program's steps.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can use the “Safer from Wildfires” program to make your home safer and save money on your insurance premiums.
What Is the “Safer from Wildfires” Program?
“Safer from Wildfires” is an initiative designed to improve wildfire resilience at the community level. The program is built on three layers of protection:
- Structure Protection – Fortifying your home with fire-resistant materials.
- Immediate Surroundings Protection – Creating a defensible space around your home to reduce fire risk.
- Community-wide Action – Working together as a community to reduce fire hazards.
By following these simple, actionable steps, you’ll not only be increasing your home’s resilience to wildfires but also earning discounts on your home insurance.
10 Easy Steps to Save Money and Protect Your Home from Wildfires
California's Safer from Wildfires program lays out clear, achievable steps for homeowners to take in order to reduce their wildfire risk. The more steps you take, the more you can save on your insurance. Here are 10 steps to make your property safer from wildfires:
1. Class-A Fire-Rated Roof
A Class-A fire-rated roof is designed to withstand intense heat and ember exposure. Roofs made from materials like asphalt shingles, concrete, brick, masonry tiles, or metal qualify as fire-resistant. Wood shake shingles are not approved. You can find a list of tested and approved materials from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
2. Create a 5-Foot Ember-Resistant Zone
Clearing the area 5 feet around your home of any greenery, mulch, or combustible materials is essential to stopping wildfires from getting too close. Replacing wooden fencing with metal is also highly recommended since wood can act as a wick for fire.
3. Install Ember- and Fire-Resistant Vents
Wind-blown embers are one of the most common ways wildfires spread. By installing non-combustible metal mesh screens (1/16- to 1/8-inch thick) over your home’s vents, you can prevent embers from entering your home.
4. Build Non-Combustible 6-Inch Exterior Walls
To further protect your home, ensure that your exterior walls are at least 6 inches high and made of non-combustible materials. This will prevent embers from accumulating and catching fire.
5. Use Non-Combustible Materials for Siding
Consider siding your home with fire-resistant materials like brick, stone, fiber-cement, or concrete. These materials are much more resistant to ignition than wood or vinyl.
6. Install Enclosed Eaves
Adding soffits (underside coverings) to your eaves helps prevent embers from getting trapped, which can lead to ignition. It’s best to use non-combustible materials for this step.
7. Upgrade to Multi-Paned Windows
Multi-paned windows are better at resisting breakage during a wildfire, keeping flames and embers from entering your home. Adding shutters to your windows also qualifies under this step.
8. Clear Under-Deck Debris
Remove any combustible materials (such as leaves or weeds) from under your deck. You should also consider using non-combustible surfaces like concrete, gravel, or bare soil in this area.
9. Remove Combustible Outbuildings
Outbuildings, such as sheds, dog houses, or playhouses, should be placed at least 30 feet away from your home. This helps prevent a fire from spreading from an outbuilding to your house.
10. Create Defensible Space
The state of California mandates defensible space laws, which require homeowners to clear trees, brush, and debris from their yards. Check CAL FIRE’s website for specific requirements and ensure your property complies.
Community-Wide Fire Safety Initiatives
The Safer from Wildfires program doesn’t just focus on individual actions. It also promotes community-wide fire safety initiatives such as:
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Firewise USA: This nationally recognized program encourages communities to work together to create an action plan that improves wildfire safety. Communities as small as eight dwellings or as large as 2,500 can participate.
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Fire Risk Reduction Communities: These are local agencies that meet the best practices for fire risk reduction in high-fire hazard zones. Certified by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, these communities are recognized for their commitment to reducing fire risk.
By participating in these community programs, you can help make your entire neighborhood safer from wildfires.
Additional Resources to Help You Get Started
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Firewise USA: Learn more about the Firewise USA program and find a list of participating communities in California. Start a Firewise Community
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Fire Risk Reduction Communities: These communities are located in state responsibility areas or high fire hazard severity zones. They are certified by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to meet the best fire safety practices.
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Wildfire Mitigation Partnership: Download the Wildfire Mitigation Partnership Summary for more information on community fire safety initiatives. Read the full text of the new Safer from Wildfires insurance regulations
Get Your Insurance Discount!
Following these steps not only helps you make your home safer but also can significantly reduce your wildfire insurance premium.
Conclusion: Be Proactive, Be Safer, Be Smarter
With the "Safer from Wildfires" program, you can take control of your home’s fire resilience and save money on insurance premiums at the same time. From upgrading your roof to creating defensible space, every step you take brings you closer to reducing your wildfire risk and protecting your property.
Stay informed, stay proactive, and make your home safer from wildfires today.
Stay safe out there!
