Can you name one item that does the following: 1) Helps your home survive a wildfire; 2) Is free; and 3) Is easy? The Answer: DEFENSIBLE SPACE ADVISORY VISITS by the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County!
The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County (FSC) offers free Defensible Space Advisory Visits for county residents. These visits focus on ways to reduce the risk of your home catching fire. A trained volunteer will walk around your property with you and identify issues on your landscape and home that, when addressed, can make your home more resistant to wildfire.
“These visits have been very popular,” said Bob Hanna, one of the council’s advisors. “Along with identifying what needs to be done to reduce the chances of ignition, we provide tips for residents on prioritizing the work as well as breaking it down into manageable steps so it doesn’t feel overwhelming,” continued Hanna. Over 2,700 visits have been completed in the last 6 years. FSC visits differ from agency visits in that these are solely educational. They are not inspections and hold no threat of enforcement.
Alan and Karen, residents of the Banner Mountain area, shared their experience after receiving an advisory visit. “The visit provided us with a much clearer understanding of the actions we needed to take to improve the fire preparedness of our home. Being new to the area, this was invaluable. The advisor provided good, solid information with a variety of ways we could improve the defensible space around our home as well as ways to make the house more resistant to embers. The visit and the advisor’s time and knowledge were greatly appreciated.”
A recent study by UC Berkeley verified that by making one’s home and property defensible and ember-resistant, the chance of it burning can be reduced by 50%.
And remember, these Defensible Space Advisory Visits are free; however, donations are greatly appreciated! Scheduling is easy – just contact the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County (530-446-1224 ) or sign up online at www.areyoufiresafe.com.
Don’t wait until it is too late! Despite the recent rain, conditions may yet become more flammable and dangerous. Schedule your visit today to protect your home and property!