How to prepare your home for Wildfire Season

For many residents on the Central Coast, preparing for wildfires has become part of a routine.

Chris Potter has lived in Felton for the past 6 years. His home is nestled among rich vegetation, and although beautiful, it doesn’t come without a price.

“I mean look what happened up in paradise. That place went up pretty quick. Same thing can happen here with all that dry brush around,” said Potter.

The Rincon Fire, which is now 90% contained, only a few miles down the road, reminded Potter that his home could be next, and decided to clean up the neighborhood. Doing so is something Cal Fire said is a necessity this month.

“Hands down. Your house is the second biggest purchase of your life. That could be gone in a moments notice is you don’t take the measures to help yourself safe,” said Aldo Gonzalez, Battalion Chief with Santa Cruz County Fire.

Chief Gonzalez said protecting your home from wildfires is something that you and your family can tackle together in just a couple hours. “Clearing brush around your house. Clearing off your roof to make sure it’s free of pine needles. All the burnable ornamental stuff that’s dry and dead – you need to
take it away from your house in case a big fire does start,” said Chief Gonzalez.

This is exactly what Potter chose to do for his neighbors, Friday. He cleared their roofs of pine needles to make sure their homes and loved ones are protected.

Potter’s neighbors told me he’s helped out around the neighborhood for years, and that if their homes were to survive a wildfire, they would know exactly who to thank.

Cal Fire wants to remind residents to avoid waiting until the last minute when it comes to protecting your home. As wildfires terrorize neighborhoods across the state, this month, it is important to be ready.