Now's the Time to Protect Your New Home from Future Disasters
Rebuild Safer, Stronger, Smarter - Don't Forget To Get A Building Permit
Release Date: December 3, 2003
Release Number: 1498-44
» More Information on California Wildfires
PASADENA, Calif. -- Officials from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge people affected by recent Southern California wildfires to include techniques in rebuilding that help prevent or reduce damage from future disastrous wildfires.
"Southern Californians who are repairing or rebuilding homes damaged or destroyed by recent wildfires face many choices, and opportunities, regarding how they put the pieces of their homes and lives back together," said Dallas Jones, OES director.
"As people repair or rebuild, it's an ideal time for them to incorporate disaster-resistant measures," said William Carwile, III, federal coordinating officer for the Southern California disaster recovery effort. "These changes can make the difference the next time wildfires strike."
Jones said similar steps taken after other wildland fires that spread into urban areas of California already have proven effective in minimizing subsequent damage.
"We know that disaster-resistant techniques work because we've seen examples where damage was reduced or prevented in disasters," said Jones. "Right now, many Southern Californians have a second chance to take similar steps as they rebuild. We encourage them to implement these methods to better protect their families and homes."
Officials agree that the best way to minimize damage from severe wildfires is to incorporate wind- and flood-resistant mitigation techniques into the overall designs of new homes. Many measures can be put in place for little or no cost. Some require more of an investment.
Both Jones and Carwile urge people living in at-risk areas to check with the building department in their counties or cities to find out what measures are required. Most or all communities in California adhere to provisions of the Uniform Building Code, and building departments can provide advice on what steps to take to protect new homes.
Obtain a permit allowing you to rebuild. Just because a county or city waives fees for building permits, that does not mean builders don't have to get a permit. They do.
To minimize damage that can be caused by high wind-driven wildfires, state and federal emergency management officials recommend the following:
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Fireproof roofing. Use ceramic or slate tiles. Don't rebuild with fire-retardant treated shake roofs.
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Maintain a clear area around your home. Depending on which area you live in, it could range from 30 to 100 feet and more from your home. Vegetation should be kept away from the house, and each county and community will provide a list of plants and flowers that work best in clear areas.
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Protect eaves of your new home with stucco or plaster to prevent flying embers from starting a fire in your home. Also design porches and decks so that embers do not start fires that can penetrate your home.
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Dual or triple glazed windows are safer than single glazed in resisting fire penetration.
- Install spark and ember protection for all building vents, including chimney spark arrestors. Contact your fire marshal and building officials for details and more suggestions.
Because of damaged watershed, severe wildfires along urban-wildland interfaces can result in flooding and mudflows. State and federal emergency officials recommend that homeowners take the following steps to reduce the risk of death, injury and property losses from flooding and mudflows:
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Stay informed of weather conditions for your area.
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Be prepared to move valuable possessions to upper floors or to safe ground if possible.
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Buy flood insurance, even if you don't live in a flood-prone area. Flooding can occur anywhere. Your homeowner's policy does not include coverage for floods. Flood insurance is the least expensive way to protect your investment. The waiting period, before your policy goes into effect, is 30 days. Buy policies for both structures and contents. Call the National Flood Insurance Program (NIFP) at 1-800- 427-4661 for information about insurance agents who sell flood insurance.
- Organize a neighborhood flood watch program to be prepared to sandbag or implement other measures to divert water or mudflow.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California's readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade and war-caused emergencies and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 09-Dec-2003 12:55:33