"Harden" Your Home

Homes igniting, before the flames arrive, are a major reason that fires is in our wildland-urban interface spread so quickly and are so dangerous. Studies have shown that unprotected homes can burn first, and then set other homes and the surrounding vegetation on fire. We urge everyone to take these simple steps to make their homes safer. By doing so, you can reduce the risk to your home, your neighbors homes, and all of Topanga.

Embers fly through through the air, in advance of flames, and can ignite homes before the actual fire arrives. The University of Nevada has produced the Be Ember Aware brochure, which includes a simple checklist for reducing your home's vulnerability to embers. (You can also download a copy from our Downloads page.) There are two related videos that demonstrate what it is like when the embers arrive, and how to protect your home: Be Ember Aware: Part 1 and Be Ember Aware: Part 2 There is also an interactive website based on the same ember proofing information.

Download and follow the Wildfire Home Assessment & Checklist

In 2022 The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) launched a new program called the Wildfire Prepared Home. "Wildfire Prepared Home™ is a voluntary, research-based mitigation program designed to meaningfully reduce wildfire risk." If you want to take the next step, this is worth checking out!