WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS

 

Because of its location, the Belmont Heights neighborhood is at a higher risk of wildfires than other parts of Belmont.  It is important that we are as prepared as possible for this eventuality. The Fire Department offers no-cost home visits to evaluate the fire risk to your property.

 

To schedule your FREE on-site visit, call our Fire Department (SMCFD)

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- Call SMCFD Community Risk Reduction at 650.522.7940.

- Press 2 (Vegetation Management).

- Ask to schedule your Free Wildfire Safety Assessment.

- If you go to voicemail (very likely due to COVID-19), leave a message with

   your name, phone number, your address and that you are requesting a free

   wildfire safety assessment as seen in the BHCIA signage. Someone from our

   Fire Department will get back to you to schedule the visit at your home.

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Fire Harden Your Home

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Below is a wealth of information that we urge you to review and

implement as needed.

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Wildfires are a Danger to Homes for Two Primary Reasons:

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• Flying Embers:  Wildfires generate massive amounts of embers that are

       wind-carried for up to several miles. There are plenty of examples of entire

       neighborhoods being wiped out due to embers even though the fire was

       contained up to 4 miles away. Two of the lowest-cost improvements to do:

•   Prevent embers from entering your attic and basement
    (more on firesafe vents)

•   Keep your gutters and roof clean of flammable debris (leaves, needles)

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• Flames, coming in direct contact with your home:  Having a Defensible Space will help protect your property from a wall of flames: this means a wildfire is out of control and your home is in its path. (more on defensible space)

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