2020-2021
5
8
7
6
25
As fires are now an annual reality
for Californians, it is essential to
create a plan with your loved-
ones and make sure you have an
emergency bag packed.
Below are a few great resources
which can help prepare all of us.
Find out about what Marin
County is doing on a local level.
www.firesafemarin.org
Review regional retrofit
guides to increase fire safety
for your home and business.
disastersafety.org/wildfire/
regional-wildfire-retrofit-
guides/
Construct the
bones of your
walls out of
fire-resistant
materials. This
includes rammed earth,
insulated concrete forms
or concrete.
Organize your community for
defense and a quick response.
Turning your neighborhood into a "firewise
neighborhood," a term used by the National
Fire Protection Association and many
jurisdictions. This includes preparation such
as creating a defensible community, alert
systems, and coordination for evacuation.
Opt out of wood.
Build trellises, fences,
decks or other
accessories out of
steel or fire-resistant
materials.
See a demo video of these
safety upgrades in action.
disastersafety.org/wildfire/
protect-your-home-from-
wildfire/
Understand the Wildland Urban
Interface Code. ucanr.edu/
sites/SAFELandscapes/Fire_
resistant_buildings/
SUMMARY
Please keep in mind that while these tactics
are very effective, they will not make your
home fire-proof. They will, however, protect
your life and increase the chances that the
fire will move past your home with minimal
damage. For an existing home, the best way
to determine which strategies to implement
is to discuss the options with your architect,
builder and local fire department. As a team
you can evaluate the costs and benefits,
and decide which strategies are right for
your home.
Install an
emergency
generator, solar
or electrical battery
backup so you can
still operate your
home if the power
is cut off.
About the author:
Heather Wright Foye is the founder
and principal at Wright Architecture
in San Rafael. wright-arch.com
