From University City Fire Safe Council President Louis Rodolico: All across California insurance companies are canceling homeowner policies due to fire losses. Homes within 500 feet of a wild canyon have seen the highest number of cancellations. Building flammability, volatile landscaping, distance to fire hydrants and fire equipment access are all factors.
If you think a conflagration cannot happen here you are mistaken. Had the winds persisted a few hours longer in the 2003 Cedar Fire, University and Clairemont neighborhoods would have caught fire. Like Maui the entire community could have been destroyed. Government will soon implement additional fire safety requirements. Homeowners can prepare by switching out to non-combustible exterior building materials.
Within 5 feet of homes; remove plants and anything combustible, use non-combustible ground cover. Large trees should be at least 20 feet from a house. Fences that touch the house should be non- combustible as well. Soffit vents should be fire rated. Fire upgrades will improve the chance that you will have a livable house to return too after a firestorm.
- To learn more from CAL Fire, go to: fire.ca.gov.
- To learn more from the Fire Safe Council, go to: https://ucfiresafecouncil.com/
On Saturday, March 23, 1 pm, at the University City Fire Safe Council presentation at the Community Library, you’ll learn about the five things that affect ability to get fire insurance including home hardening, proximity to canyons, proximity of plants to your home, distance and condition of fire hydrants, and access for first responders and their vehicles.
Learn about the five things that affect your rates and your ability to get fire insurance including home hardening, proximity to canyons, proximity of plants to your home, distance and condition of fire hydrants, and access for first responders and their vehicles.
This workshop is in-person at the University Community Library at 4155 Governor Drive, 1 pm. The FSC has a limited number of home smoke detectors to give-away after the event. Sign in sheet for smoke detector giveaway opens at 12:45 pm.
