How can I improve the fire safety and insurability of my home?

A: Obtaining general fire policies has been one of the most difficult hurdles of home purchases this year in California. Homes are one of the most important investments people make and often the largest asset one owns, which makes it even more important to properly insure.

The key phrase we look for is “defensible space.” As a general rule, you do not want any combustibles or foliage within 5 feet of your home. This means that while mulching over soil near the foundation of a home may look good, it is not great for fire prevention.

We also want to clear any overhanging branches from the top of the roof; an added benefit of this is one less path for rodents to enter your home. Covering the eaves and ensuring screens keep embers out is also an important item.

FEMA has published an excellent handbook on fire prevention. Anytime you need to update or replace your roof, siding, or exterior structures refer to the guidelines and if it’s in your budget, it’s also in your best interest. You can find the booklet at www.fema.gov/sites/default/ files/2020-11/fema_protect-yourproperty_wildfire.pdf.

Finally, take photos, keep invoices, and document everything. In the event of a fire, your insurance company will want to review everything.

Wallace Chane, Metis Real Estate, 408-799-1703, wallace@metisre.com.

A: Here are some safety tips:

• Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every floor, in each sleeping area and hallway. Test the detectors once a month to ensure that they work.

• Install fire extinguishers and make sure they are readily available throughout your home.

• Educate your children about the potential deadly consequences of playing with fire. Keep matches and lighters away from children.

• Avoid overloading electrical circuits and running extension cords as a permanent source of power.

• If you are considering a roof replacement, avoid roof coverings made of wood shingles. Insurance companies may give you a discount if you use fire retardant composition shingles.

• Consider installing non-combustible gutter covers.

• Clear combustible vegetation from around your home

• Remove clutter from your home, making hallways and doorways access.

If you are selling your home you should determine if your home is in a high or very high fire sensitivity zone, as that will affect the cost and insurability of your home. You can do this by ordering a natural hazard disclosure report from various thirdparty vendors. You can also go to fire.ca.gov/dspace for more information about practical ways to protect your home from wildfires.

Jeff LaMont, Coldwell Banker Realty, 650-740-8808, jeff@jefflamont.com.

A: If you need to replace your roof, discuss fire-retardant options with your insurance company and your roofer, including your gutters and eaves options.

At the very least, keep your gutters clean.

Many of the 1920s homes have “knob and tube” wiring, the grandfather of wiring. It’s often weak, frayed or poorly maintained. Replace or repair the outdated “Grandpa” wiring while improving fire safety and modernizing the feed for electronics.

Create 2 to 5 feet of defensible, non-combustible space around the exterior perimeter. This means no trees, bushes or even mulch. All of these can become flying embers.

If your neighborhood as a lot of unkempt trees, ask your neighbors if they want to join you and hire an arborist to tidy up the trees.

Undergrounded utilities are a big bonus if you have them. During the 1991 Oakland Hills firestorm, it was the burning power poles falling over that prevented the fire trucks from getting through quickly.

If your home reflects many of these safety improvements, just maybe your insurance carrier will reduce your premiums. If not, enjoy the safety. The next owner will be very excited to buy your fire-resistant, improved home while finding fire insurance with relative ease.