Living in fire-prone areas means we all have a responsibility to be ready—not just for our own safety, but for our families, neighbors, and first responders. A little preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow. These ten tips are a great place to start. As always, we recommend consulting with your local city, county, and state fire professionals such as Cal Fire for the most accurate and up-to-date advice on fire hardening and safety measures specific to your area.
Here are ten essential steps to help you prepare:
- Cut Back Trees and Shrubs Around the Home
- Clear at least 5 feet of space between your home and vegetation. This defensible space acts as a buffer, helping to slow or stop the spread of fire and giving firefighters a better chance to protect your home.
- Have an Evacuation or Escape Plan
- Know at least two ways out of every room in your home. If you live in a multi-level house, on a slope, or in a building with more than one story, keep an escape ladder accessible—and make sure everyone in your household knows how to use it.
- Check Your Smoke and CO Alarms Regularly
- You should have smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are also crucial, especially near sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries annually.
- Create a Home Inventory—On Video
- Walk through your home with your smartphone and narrate as you go. Open drawers, closets, and cabinets. Save the video on a thumb drive and store it in a fireproof safe or with a trusted friend or family member. It’ll be a lifesaver for insurance and tax documentation if you ever need it.
- Pack a Grab-and-Go Essentials Kit
- In an emergency, you don’t want to scramble. Have a go-bag ready with medications, important documents (like passports, insurance policies, and birth certificates), chargers, and personal essentials. Don’t forget your pets’ needs, too!
- Keep Your Gutters and Roof Clear of Debris
- Dry leaves and pine needles are fuel for embers. Regularly clean your roof, gutters, and downspouts to prevent ignition and spread.
- Know Your Community’s Alert System
- Sign up for emergency alerts in your county and install apps that notify you of fire activity in real time. It’s better to know sooner than later.
- Store Flammable Materials Safely
- Gasoline, propane tanks, firewood, and other combustibles should be stored at least 30 feet from your home. Keep them in proper containers and never near ignition sources.
- Talk to Your Neighbors
- Preparedness is a community effort. Check in with neighbors, especially those who may need extra help evacuating, and share your plans. A neighborhood that communicates is a neighborhood that’s more resilient.
- Practice, Practice, Practice
- Review your evacuation plan with your family a couple of times a year. Run through fire drills so everyone knows exactly what to do and where to go.
Fire season is unpredictable—but your response doesn’t have to be. Stay informed, stay ready, and stay safe. As your trusted partners in real estate, we—Heather and JC Gonzalez—understand the unique needs of San Francisco Bay Area homeowners. From fire preparedness and home hardening tips to navigating today’s housing market, we’re here to support you with the resources, local knowledge, and personalized care you deserve. Your home is more than just a place—it’s your sanctuary, and we’re committed to helping you protect it.