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2020-2021 Marin Home Resource Guide 23 Clear fuels 10 feet back from your driveway. This will increase the chances that you and the fire department can get in or out when there is fire nearby. Install battery back-up for garage door openers. This is insurance against being trapped in your garage when the power is out. Clearly indicate your home address so that the home can be identified and communication about which properties have been saved or lost can happen effectively. Design driveway gates so that the fire department can access your property even when the power is out. The main component of this is a knox box, which is a small safe mounted to the gate that holds keys for fire department access. Install "leaf-proof" gutters and keep them clean of flammable debris which can catch fire when embers land on them. Discontinue use of flammable landscaping materials – like wood chips – to reduce all fuel close to the house. Install a fire-resistant, Class-A roof assembly, which is tested and listed to resist fire. This will reduce the chances that flying embers will ignite your roof. Install fire-resistant vents to your attic and crawlspace and effectively keep embers from entering these interior spaces. While the above are required for new construction or substantial remodels in WUI zones, they can also be used for defense in all areas. There is an added cost to constructing your home this way, which varies based on your particular project's layout and features. Work with your contractor early in the process to understand the rough costs. This is money well invested, as these requirements resist fire far better than the standard construction techniques used when many homes in California were built. ››