Help safeguard your home against wildfire
Safety tips and resources to protect your home from wildfire.
Mitigate your wildfire risk
Minimize the risk of damage to your home by making changes to your home and landscaping. Based on robust, scientific testing, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) offers a variety of recommendations to maximize the chance of your home surviving a fire. IBHS also partners with leading organizations to demonstrate the life-saving benefits of home hardening and defensible space.
Home
hardening
Take steps to make your home more resistant to wildfire or other catastrophes.
Roof & Gutters
Regularly clear any debris on your roof or in your gutters. “Gutter guards” can be installed to reduce the need for manual debris removal.
Vents
All homes have vents to help maintain good air quality, but they can allow wind-blown embers to get into your home. Install fire-resistant vents or make sure your vents are covered with wire mesh that is 1/8 inch or less.
Decks
Do not allow vegetation or store any items under your deck. If your deck has a clearance of less than four feet, enclose it with wire mesh that is 1/8 inch or less to prevent embers from getting under your deck.
Assess if your home is wildfire prepared
Develop a plan to make your home wildfire resistant
Consider who will do the work – you, a contractor, or a landscaper. For policyholders in Northern California, Madronus offers a suite of services in CA ranging from a quick consultation to a full-service option. CSAA Insurance Group has also partnered with U.C. Berkeley and IBHS to create wildfire resistant landscape designs that are free for anyone to use and have options for those with a wide range of budgets.
Achieve certification: Your pathway to better home protection
IBHS provides free, detailed steps to guide you through required actions to help protect your home. Those living in California and Oregon are also able to receive a designation certificate. It’s always a good practice to let your insurer know about changes to your home so be sure to tell them about the proactive steps you’ve taken to safeguard your home. You may also qualify for discounts.
