Wildfire Season: Tips for Getting Prepared and Staying Safe in 2022
Like many places in California, Santa Barbara kicked off September with scorching 100+ degree temperatures. This year marks the third driest year on record for the county, contributing to the likelihood of wildfires, especially when combined with the high temperatures and drought conditions. Over the last thirteen years, there have been 15 major fires in Santa Barbara, and the county consistently remains at high risk year-round. When a natural disaster threatens your home and forces you to evacuate, emotions run at an all-time high, and making decisions can be difficult. The best way to deal with wildfires is to prepare before they happen. Read below for three steps to help protect you and your property from wildfire.
Hilltop wildfire in California
Step #1: Be READY
First, “create and maintain defensible space and harden your home against flying embers.”. Keeping a healthy, well-maintained space allows you to separate your home from a fire, giving firefighters a place to take a stand. 60-90% of homes are lost because of embers, not the fire itself, so keeping Zone 0 (the area within the first 5ft of your home’s foundation) clear of flammable debris is essential. Attics, roofs, rain gutters, and pathways should be free of combustible materials. Hardening these areas (along with fences, porches, decks, crawl spaces, etc.) will help your home’s structure stand alone in the case of a fire. A well-kept and hydrated Zone 2 (30-100ft from the house) will also help prevent fire from reaching your home.
Firefighter successfully extinguishes a house fire
Step #2: Get SET
Next, “prepare your family and home ahead of time for the possibility of having to evacuate.” If it comes time to evacuate, you’ll want to be confident that you know exactly what to do. Have an Emergency Kit readily available, and create a “Wildfire Action Plan” with your family. This plan should include “a designated emergency meeting location, several different escape routes, and an evacuation plan for pets and large animals.” Additionally, have a “communication plan that designates an out-of-area friend/relative as a point of contact to act as a single source of communication among family members in case of separation.” You can reference this checklist to get started.
Step #3: Be ready to GO
Finally, “take the evacuation steps necessary to give your family and home the best chance of surviving a wildfire.” In Santa Barbara County, an “Evacuation Order” means you need to leave immediately. As a fire approaches, ensure that you have clear communication plans, the proper kits, gear, and clothing on hand, and indoor and outdoor checklists to prep your home. You can find a detailed list here.
Emergency responders working to contain growing wildfire
QwikResponse team on standby, ready to respond to your emergency call
QwikResponse is Ready to Help
Facing a wildfire is everyone’s worst nightmare. No matter the size, it will leave you mentally, physically, and financially overwhelmed. However, if you do become the victim of a fire or your home suffers smoke damage, QwikResponse is the most experienced and reliable line of support to deal with the aftermath. After nearly 80 years in the business, we know how fire devastation impacts lives, so getting your property back to pre-loss condition as quickly as possible is our top priority. Click here to learn more about our fire and smoke damage restoration services.
QwikResponse team hard at work restoring a fire damaged home
QwikResponse stands out from other damage restoration companies, not just because of the level of empathy and care they hold for each project but also because of the importance they place on making close connections with every client. As a company that truly understands the toll that property damage and loss can take on families and businesses, they work with a deep sense of empathy. Through fires, floods, and unforeseen disasters, the QwikResponse team continues to be a beacon of hope throughout the communities of California’s central coast.