Fire Safety Home Assessment Program: Neighbors Share their Experience
Your neighbors found the Fire Safety Assessment to be a truly helpful experience, with many appreciating the personalized guidance and proactive steps they could take to better protect their homes.
Recently, a representative from the Fire Safe Council visited both my home and the home of fellow resident John Selby. John shared, “Heather was professional, quick, and terrific! She explained key points about the program and how it works!”
At our property, Heather Cady - Director of Forestry and Fire Prevention Programs, conducted a thorough evaluation of how fire-ready we are. As homeowners, we wanted to know how we could improve our defense against the threat of wildfire to our property. She assessed our home’s exterior, starting with the roof. She looked for Class A fire-rated roofing. Then, she checked venting around the eaves and evaluated areas where embers might intrude. She also inspected attached structures like patios and decks, ensuring no flammable objects were stored underneath.
Next, we reviewed our landscaping and how there should be a 5-foot space between the house and any landscaping site to help prevent the spread of wildfires. Heather discussed different landscapes, plants, and trees that contribute to fire or add a line of defense. She explained how creating vegetation islands, where free-standing garden areas, usually surrounded by non-combustible materials like grass or stone, can help reduce the intensity of a fire by creating separation between areas of high fuel.
One thing that really impressed me was learning about their partner programs. If you qualify, volunteers may be available to help implement the suggested safety improvements, making wildfire preparation more accessible and affordable.
The Fire Safe Council of San Diego County offers helpful suggestions to keep homes safe from wildfire. This program provides personalized, non-regulatory suggestions based on local fire ordinances and best practices for reducing wildfire risk. The recommendations are purely advisory, nothing is required, and assessments are completely confidential. Homeowners also receive helpful educational resources and program referrals to assist in reaching their fire preparedness goals.
Taking simple, proactive steps now can create a safer environment, reduce wildfire risks, and help meet future insurance requirements. For more information or to apply for a free Fire Safety Assessment, visit the Fire Safe Council site. Apply today or share with others, as there are ten more free assessments in Ramona waiting to be scheduled.
As a result of the information shared in Valley News and on the SDCEA website, homeowners in Ramona signed up for a Fire Safety Assessment—40 of whom received the service at no cost.
