Preparing for California Wildfire Season 2022

Being prepared for the California wildfires can save you time and grief.

If you are a native of southern California, you know that every year from June to October is considered fire season. Worry runs high during this time of year due to the unpredictable fires that start. There are some instances where the flames are man-made and accidentally spread, but most are from the scorching sun. The sun can be so hot and the shrubbery so dry, the two together are a formula for disaster.

Although it may seem like a hopeless situation, not all is lost. There are a few things you can do to decrease the chances of a wildfire spreading near your property. By readying your home and preparing with an emergency bag, you can get ahead of any situation that may occur.    

Fires season 2022 has begun

If we have learned anything in the last 10 years, it is that the summer flames are both brutal and unpredictable. Since the state is in the middle of a severe drought, the season has been nothing but dry and hot. These same conditions have made the past three fire seasons in particular very disastrous, burning more than 4.3 million acres of land – twice as much as the previous record. In 2021, there were even thousands of structures completely destroyed due to the golden state’s wildfires.  

Presently, there have been more than 3,000 fires in 2022. This is not news to California residents, who expect the flames to come. It is hard to be prepared for it since we never expect fires to make it to residential areas from the mountains. While we can’t entirely prevent fires, we can always take small steps to minimize the fire damage they cause. Live Green Restoration has some tips on how to best prepare for wildfire season 2022 in California.

Ready your home

There are several measures you can take to help protect your property from wildfires and fire damage. Maintaining everyday tasks like clearing gutters and trimming down bushes and shrubbery can greatly decrease the chances of a fire. Adding fire-resistant plants such as succulents and cacti to your garden is another great way to prevent fires from catching around your property.

Defensible Space

One of the more effective measures is creating a buffer of 100 feet minimum between your home and flammable vegetation. Of course, the more defensible space you have, the better. The space can help prevent your home from catching fire — either from flames or embers — and provides firefighters a safe area to work in so they can defend your property.

Ember Precautions

Another excellent safety precaution to practice is limiting where embers can enter your home. Flying embers from a wildfire can destroy houses up to a mile away and are usually responsible for most property destruction during a wildfire, according to CalFire. Ways to keep your home safe from embers include installing metallic mesh on your vents and removing plant debris from your roof and rain gutters.

Create a plan

Before a fire or other disaster ever occurs, it is best to make a plan. Figure out what you and your household will do in case of an emergency evacuation. Create and familiarize yourself with escape routes within the vicinity of your area and city. Then decide where you will go if you are forced to leave your home quickly. Make a list of which belongings you want to take with you and have them in a very accessible area.

Create an emergency ‘go bag’

Out-of-control fires move very fast, which means there is usually not enough time to assemble anything, let alone an emergency bag. When flames are fast approaching, you need to make sure you and your family have essentials for the next couple of days. This is why it is a good idea to pack in advance.

The first thing you will want to do is to purchase a sturdy drawstring bag, backpack, or any other easy-to-grab bag. You will want to add one change of clothes, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, a couple of essential toiletries like deodorant and wipes along with an extra set of car keys. It is also recommended that you keep a three-day supply of food handy and enough water for you, the family, and your pets.

CalFire has a checklist you can follow for more safety tips. It is filled with additional guidance on what to put in your emergency bag to be ready for any type of disaster. The key is being prepared! If you find your property is a victim of the California wildfires, you are not alone. Give Live Green Restoration a call to schedule an appointment to get your property back to the way it was. Our fire damage technicians are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Give us a call at 661-390-8255 today to see what we can do for you.