HOME HARDENING Clause Samples

HOME HARDENING. Individual responsibility is paramount in reducing structural ignitability. Fire science research has demonstrated that ignition potential of structures, including homes, is minimized by modifying the home itself and the area within 100 to 200 feet around the home. A home should be examined for its ignition vulnerabilities to firebrands (embers) and flames. Firebrand ignition factors include structure locations of firebrand accumulations on flammable surfaces and unscreened openings allowing firebrand entry. Vulnerabilities to flames depend on the potential for any flame contact with the structure and preventing the occurrence of large flames of high- intensity fires to burn within 100 feet of a home including structures adjacent to a home. Homeowners have control over the structural components of their homes and the “home ignition zone.” The effectiveness of fire suppression/protection is subordinate to the individual‘s responsibility for ignition resistance of their home. Replacing flammable or highly ignitable components of the home and removing fuels from around the home minimizes the ignition potential of the home. A model for engaging community residents on a neighborhood or subdivision basis can be found at ▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇/▇▇▇, the national Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program. Firewise communities are educated about how houses ignite, they provide risk assessments to homeowners, they invest in fuel-reduction projects annually, and they celebrate their successes, building community enthusiasm for fire safety. Education efforts should target homeowners, contractors, realtors and insurance companies emphasizing the homeowners’ responsibility to protect their homes. It should be noted that Crescenta Valley, particular in the WUI and adjacent areas, is not likely to experience significant development in the future. The steep terrain and prohibitive grading costs preclude any multi-home development. Also, the County is not likely to allow any significant increase in the population above “▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Bend,” the two lane road that serves as the only access (and exit) for the ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Terrace area. Zoning regulations and requirements for mitigation area in new subdivisions would likely have little impact on Crescenta Valley. However, building codes regulating residential building materials and design on new construction or remodels could help. See ▇▇▇▇://▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇.▇▇.▇▇▇/codedevelopment/wildfireprotectionbuildingconstruction.php. COMMUNITY FIRE SAFETY BE...