7 Wildfire Safety Tips

We're currently in the middle of California's wildfire season, with active fires like the Gifford Fire continuing to impact our state. The San José Fire Department would like to remind all community members, especially those who reside in or near the Wildland-Urban Interface (where human development meets or undeveloped wildland vegetation), that staying informed and proactive is critical to being wildfire-ready. With thoughtful planning and preparation, you can better protect your home and family against wildfire. Here are seven key steps to help protect your home and family ahead of and during wildfire season: Create a Defensible Space: Maintain a safety buffer by clearing away dead plants, leaves, dry grasses, and other flammable materials within 30 feet of your home-or even farther if you live on a slope. Regularly trim back tree branches at least 10 feet from your roof and chimneys. This proactive clearing helps prevent embers from igniting your home during a wildfire. Harden Your Home: Strengthen your home's resilience by installing ember-resistant vents, using fire-safe roofing materials, and replacing wood or vinyl siding with non-combustible alternatives. Consider enclosing open eaves and enclosing the underside of decks to reduce the number of entry points for embers. Plant Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Choose low-growing, fire-resistant plants that retain moisture and are less likely to ignite. Keep lawns and vegetation well-watered and remove dead or dry plant material promptly. Space shrubs and trees to reduce fire spread and maintain them regularly. Check Your Fire Hazard Severity Zone: Understand your risk level by locating your home on the Fire Hazard Severity Zone map. If you're in a high or very high-hazard area, follow additional guidance-like increased defensible space requirements, stronger building materials, and stricter vegetation management-to enhance protection. Develop a Wildfire Action Plan: Plan ahead by identifying multiple evacuation routes, establishing an out-of-area emergency contact, and agreeing on a meeting place with your family. Practice this plan regularly so everyone knows what to do if wildfire strikes. Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit: Prepare a "go-bag" with essentials for at least 72 hours, including water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, clothing, and first-aid supplies. Keep it in an accessible place and have a kit ready for each family member, including pets. Be Prepared to Evacuate & Use Genasys Protect: Sign up for local alerts using systems like AlertSCC and stay tuned to local news and official communications. The Genasys Protect mobile app offers an extra layer of safety by delivering targeted, location-based emergency alerts right to your phone, only when you're in an affected zone. It operates anonymously (no personal data tracking), and lets you monitor multiple locations, such as your home, your child's school, or an elderly parent's residence, so you're always informed no matter where you are. Learn more about wildfire preparedness at https://www.sanjoseca.gov/wildfire. Stay safe, San José!