Wildfire Preparedness Resources
Wildfire preparedness is most effective when neighbors work together. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your home’s resilience, these resources can help you reduce wildfire risk, prepare for emergencies, and protect what matters most.
Home Hardening
Home hardening focuses on reducing the ways embers, radiant heat, and flames can ignite your home during a wildfire. Small improvements can make a significant difference.
- Zone 0 recommendations
- Ember-resistant vents
- Roofing materials
- Windows and siding
- Decks and fences
- Gutters and maintenance
Link to Fire Safe Council Home Hardening Resources
Highly Recommended - Free HIZ assessment:
The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Program is provided free of charge from the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County (FSCSCC). Upon request, a volunteer HIZ Assessor will visit the site and conduct a guided walk through with the resident in order to provide real-time feedback and address any questions or concerns specific to the property. The assessment provides educational information related to Home Hardening and Defensible Space to the resident.
The HIZ program is now live for 2026! To sign up for an HIZ assessment of your home, please fill out this form:
Defensible Space
Defensible space is the buffer between your home and surrounding vegetation that helps slow wildfire spread and improves firefighter access.
Topics include:
- Zone 0 (0-5 feet)
- Zone 1 (5-30 feet)
- Zone 2 (30-100 feet)
- Vegetation management
- Seasonal maintenance
Recommended Resources:
- CAL FIRE Defensible Space Guidelines
- Santa Cruz County FireSafe Council Resources
- Chipping Programs from Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District (Spring and Fall)
