As residents of Southern California, we live in one of the most beautiful regions in the world, but also one of the most fire-prone. With wildfire season underway, taking proactive steps to protect your home and family is essential. These tips will help you prepare and give you peace of mind during wildfire season.
Harden Your Home Against Wildfire
Simple modifications can dramatically improve your home’s chances of surviving a wildfire. Focus on these key areas:
Create Defensible Space. Start with your property's perimeter. Remove dead vegetation, dry leaves, and flammable debris within 30 feet of your home. Trim tree branches so they're at least 10 feet away from your roof and chimney. Keep your lawn watered and mowed, and consider replacing highly-flammable plants with fire-resistant native species.
Upgrade Your Home's Exterior. Embers cause most home ignitions during wildfires, often landing in vulnerable spots you might not consider. Install metal mesh screens over vents, eaves, and attic openings—use mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to keep embers out. Replace or repair loose roof tiles and consider upgrading to fire-resistant roofing materials like metal, clay, or slate when it's time for replacement. Low-cost ways to harden your home
Maintain Your Gutters and Roof. Clean your gutters regularly and install gutter guards to prevent debris accumulation. Embers love to settle in clogged gutters filled with dry leaves. Trim overhanging branches and remove any vegetation growing on or near your roof.
Prepare Your Windows and Decks. Install dual-pane or tempered glass windows, which are more resistant to heat. Remove flammable materials from under decks and porches—this includes storing wood, patio furniture, and other combustibles at least 30 feet from your home.
Red Flag Warnings
Take just a minute to read about the do’s and don’t of a Red Flag Warning Day. Don’t accidently be the cause of a wildfire! Red Flag notices issued by the National Weather Service make us aware of an increased risk of wildfires due to a combination of warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. Find out more
Talk to Your Family and Neighbors About Evacuations
Wildfire evacuations can happen quickly, sometimes with only minutes to spare. Having these conversations now, when there's no immediate threat, ensures everyone knows what to do and where to meet when seconds count.
Develop Your Family Evacuation Plan. Sit down with every member of your household and create a detailed evacuation plan. Identify two routes from your neighborhood in case one is blocked. Choose a meeting location outside your immediate area where family members can reunite if separated. Plan and practice your evacuation plan in various scenarios. What if the primary route is blocked? What if someone is at school or work? Plan for what happens if your family members are all at different locations. Assign responsibilities to each family member, including who will gather important items, who will help elderly relatives or neighbors, and who will secure pets. Here is a Family Emergency Communications Plan Template
Prepare a Go-Bag. Every family member should have a ready-to-go emergency bag packed with essentials: three days' worth of water and non-perishable food, medications, copies of important documents, cash, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid supplies, and a change of clothes. Do you have a pet? Don’t forget some supplies for them, too. Keep these bags in an easily accessible location near your primary exit. Cheap and easy ways to stock your bag
Connect with Your Neighbors. Strong neighborhoods save lives during emergencies. Introduce yourself to neighbors you don't know, especially elderly residents or those with mobility challenges who might need assistance during an evacuation. Exchange contact information and discuss how you can help each other. Consider organizing a neighborhood meeting to discuss routes and mutual aid. Some neighbors might have larger vehicles suitable for evacuating multiple families, while others might have trailers for transporting pets. Knowing your neighbors' skills and resources ahead of time creates a stronger, more resilient community.
Special Considerations. If you have pets, know that some emergency shelters don't accept animals. Research pet-friendly hotels and shelters in advance, and keep carriers and leashes easily accessible.
Sign Up for Alert Systems that could Save your Life
Information is our first line of defense against wildfires. Multiple alert systems serve our region, and signing up for several ensures you'll receive critical information no matter what communication channels are available during an emergency.
Official Alerts:
- Register your cell phones at Alert San Diego: This system provides official evacuation orders, road closures, and shelter information directly from emergency management officials. You can customize alerts by location, so you'll receive notifications for your home, workplace, and children's schools. Landlines are automatically registered.
- Text the word “Oceanside” to the number 67283 to get Oceanside-specific public safety alerts from the Oceanside Police Department.
- Download the Genasys Protect app and follow the “zone” for your home, office, or school. The Genasys app allows you to view current evacuation zones, check the status of your specific address, and receive turn-by-turn directions to the nearest evacuation routes and emergency shelters.
- Download the CAL FIRE PLANNER app for real-time fire information, evacuation maps, and preparedness resources.
- Download the SDGE PSPS app: Stay on top of information and updates for potential and active public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events. Get status and timely updates for PSPS events, including estimated restoration times.
Weather and Fire Tracking Apps. Download apps like AccuWeather and Watch Duty, to monitor fire activity and weather conditions in real time. These apps can sometimes provide more detailed information than general news sources.
Oceanside Police Hi-Low Siren System. The Oceanside Police Department implemented a hi-low siren system specifically for evacuations. When you hear these distinctive alternating high and low-pitched sirens from patrol vehicles driving through neighborhoods, this is your official signal that immediate evacuation is required for your area. Unlike traditional emergency sirens, these hi-low tones are specifically designated for evacuation orders and indicate you should leave immediately. Do not wait for additional confirmation—gather your go-bag and evacuate using your predetermined routes if you hear these sirens.
Social Media and Local News. Follow the City of Oceanside on social media platforms. During active incidents, our accounts will provide the most up-to-date information about evacuation zones, road closures, and shelter locations:
Wildfire preparedness isn't something you can do at the last minute. Start working on these steps now, while there's no immediate threat. Create a family checklist and tackle one project each weekend until you've completed your preparations.
Remember, the goal isn't just to survive a wildfire—it's to be so well-prepared that you can help your neighbors and community during a crisis. When everyone in the neighborhood is prepared, we all become safer and more resilient.
