The LA wildfires in January were the costliest wildfires in U.S. history. (Credit: Kyle/Adobe Stock)

California is encouraging homeowners to create defensible space, pack go bags and more, as part of this year’s Wildfire Preparedness Week.

This year’s theme is “Building a Fire-Ready Future: Strengthening Our Defenses, Together,” and it’s meant to emphasize the collective responsibility of individuals, communities and agencies in preparing for and defending against wildfires. It comes ahead of what's expected to be a volatile wildfire season.

“All of us have an essential role in protecting ourselves, loved ones and communities from wildfire,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a proclamation about the week. “Together, we can create a more fire resilient California.”

Cal Fire and other agencies have created a website, ReadyForWildfire.org, with actions homeowners can take during the week, which runs May 4 – 11. Suggested actions include:

  • Create defensible space in “Zone 0,” the first five feet around the home. This includes things like clearing weeds and cleaning gutters, trimming branches that are close to chimneys and replacing combustible materials, like mulch, with gravel or pavers.
  • Harden homes against flying embers. Steps at this level can be anything from replacing the roof with fire resistant materials to adding noncombustible screens and mesh to vent openings and chimneys.
  • Create and practice a wildfire action plan. When a wildfire ignites, it can move quickly and create confusion. Having a plan in advance ensures homeowners know what to do — what to wear, where to go, what to bring with them. Cal Fire’s firePLANNER app can help walk users through the creation of a plan.
  • Pack a go bag. Homeowners are being encouraged to have a bag packed with essentials in case they’re evacuated quickly.

Karen Collins, vice president, property & environmental, with the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, voiced support for the efforts in a statement this week, saying home hardening could promote lower insurance premiums in the state.

“Individual property owner and community action are key to reducing losses and helping ease pressure on claims costs following increased natural disasters,” she said. “As more homes are hardened and more communities reduce risk, California should see a meaningful decrease in losses, which should positively impact the availability and affordability of insurance in the state.”

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