Sonoma County has quite a history of wildfires. From the 1964 Hanly Fire to the 2017 Tubbs Fire and even the more recent Glass Fire in 2020, there’s a wildfire corridor in Sonoma County that allows fire to spark quickly and then spread immediately, making containment difficult.

That doesn’t stop people from buying, living, and investing in Sonoma County. The area is so rich in beauty, agriculture, history, and charm that the risk of wildfire is well worth it.

When you have investment property in Sonoma County, you’ll have to be prepared to navigate wildfire season. This has become a nerve-wracking season for all of California, and you’ll want to prepare the best you can in order to protect your investment and ensure the safety of your tenants.

Understand the Wildfire Risk

The first step in protecting your investment property is understanding the risk.

Sonoma County, like much of California, faces a high fire risk due to its climate and natural terrain. The past years have seen devastating wildfires that have underscored the necessity for property owners to take proactive steps in fire season preparedness.

Stay informed through local resources. Monitoring local weather and fire reports is crucial during fire season. Subscription to alert services provided by Sonoma County’s Department of Emergency Management can offer real-time updates on fire threats and evacuation orders. Staying informed enables you to make timely decisions about the safety of your tenants and property.

Be aware of Red Flag Warnings. These are issued by the National Weather Service, telling us that the high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are setting the stage for increased fire risk. The Emergency Management Department of Sonoma County has maps on their websites as well as a list of tips on how to avoid increasing the risk of fire. For example, using lawn mowers and other power tools outdoors during Red Flag Warnings can be dangerous, as a simple spark from a machine can start a fire.

Create a Defensible Sonoma County Rental Property Space

One of the most effective measures you can implement is creating a defensible space around your property. This involves:

Clearing away dead or dry vegetation
Trimming trees, especially cutting away branches close to your property
Removing any flammable materials that could help spread a fire

Establishing a buffer zone not only helps to protect your property but also provides firefighters with a safer and more manageable space to defend your home from advancing flames.

Think about the activities at your property, too. Advise tenants not to have campfires or use outdoor charcoal grills during fire season. Ask them not to park cars on the grass. If you allow smoking at your property in outdoor spaces, make sure they have a safe place to discard smoking materials.

Invest in Fire-Resistant Materials

When maintaining or renovating your property, consider investing in fire-resistant materials.

From roofing materials to siding, advancements in building technology have produced a range of products designed to withstand intense heat and flames. Although this might represent a higher upfront cost, the potential to avoid catastrophic loss makes it a worthwhile investment for the long-term security of your property.

Implement Evacuation Plans and Safety Measures

Ensure that your tenants are aware of the recommended evacuation plans and safety measures during fire season. This includes having multiple escape routes mapped out, maintaining a ready supply of emergency provisions, and encouraging tenants to stay informed through local alert systems.

A well-informed and prepared resident is an invaluable asset in times of crisis. The more your tenants are prepared, the less risk that you’ll have a bigger problem, too.

Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Rental Property

Regular inspections and maintenance of your Sonoma County rental property can play a crucial role in fire safety. We are always talking about the importance of preventative maintenance, and it becomes even more urgent during fire season.

Ensure that gutters and roofs are free from debris such as leaves and twigs, which can easily catch fire from airborne embers. Check that vent screens are intact to prevent ember intrusion. It’s also vital to assess the integrity of outdoor electrical systems and fixtures to reduce the risk of fire caused by electrical malfunctions.

Invest in Safe Landscaping Practices

Whether you’re paying a professional landscaping service or leaving the care of your outdoor space to your tenants, make sure there’s nothing out there that can inspire a fire. Educate your tenants about safe landscaping practices.

Opt for fire-resistant plants and ground cover to add an extra layer of protection. Consider the use of gravel or stone barriers instead of bark mulch, which is highly flammable.

Strategic landscaping can serve as both an aesthetic and a safety enhancement for your property. By emphasizing these additional precautions, you enhance the resilience of your property against wildfires while prioritizing the well-being of your tenants.

Resources for Property Owners

Your tenants will turn to you for guidance during fire season, and where will you turn?

To assist property owners in their fire season preparedness and protect their investments effectively, there are several valuable resources available:

Sonoma County Fire Prevention Division

Provides guidelines on creating defensible spaces, fire-resistant landscaping, and other preventative measures.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)

Offers extensive information on fire-resistant building materials, current fire laws, and regulations.

ReadyForWildfire.org

An initiative by CAL FIRE, offering tips on preparing an evacuation plan, emergency supply kit, and how to harden your home against wildfires.

Firewise USA®

A program that teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action now to prevent losses.

Local Fire Departments

Often provide free consultations to property owners looking to assess the fire safety of their properties.

Insurance Information Institute

Offers advice on adequate insurance coverage for your property and belongings in case of a fire.

Utilizing these resources can empower property owners to take proactive steps towards minimizing fire risk and ensuring the safety and security of their investment properties and tenants. Gather all of the information you can, and share the relevant materials with your residents.

Conduct a Thorough Insurance Review Before Fire Season

An often-overlooked aspect of preparedness is a thorough review of your property insurance. Ensure that your policy covers fire damage and consider additional coverage for natural disasters common to the area. Understand the specifics of your policy, including the extent of coverage and the claims process, to avoid unexpected complications in the event of a fire.

Conducting a thorough insurance review is crucial for rental property owners, particularly in regions like Sonoma County, which are prone to wildfires. Here are essential tips to ensure your policy offers adequate protection:

Take Inventory of Your Coverage. Review your current policy in detail. Know what is and isn’t covered. Look for any gaps that might leave you vulnerable during a wildfire.
Update Property Value Regularly. Ensure that your insurance reflects the current value of your property. Renovations or improvements can increase a property’s value, and your insurance coverage should match this to avoid being underinsured.
Understand Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value. Know whether your policy provides for the replacement cost or the actual cash value of damaged property. Replacement cost covers the expense of rebuilding or repairing your property at current prices, whereas actual cash value takes depreciation into account.
Consider Additional Coverage for Disasters. If wildfires are a common threat in your area, consider special policies or riders that offer additional protection beyond a standard policy. This might include coverage for evacuation expenses or loss of rental income.
Review the Liability Coverage. Liability insurance protects you if someone is injured on your property. Given the increased risks during fire season, ensuring you have sufficient coverage is prudent.
Ask About Policy Discounts. Some insurance companies offer discounts for properties with fire-resistant features or those located near a full-time fire station. See if you qualify for any discounts to reduce your premiums.

Consult with an independent insurance agent if you don’t already have one. An independent agent can provide personalized advice and help you compare policies from different insurers to find the best coverage at a competitive price.

Regularly reviewing and updating your insurance policy can make a significant difference in your preparedness for wildfire season, protecting both your investment and the safety of your tenants.

Build a Community Network

Unfortunately, it usually takes a disaster to bring people together as a community. Try to work out a cohesive response and sense of preparation before that. Sharing information, resources, and support can make a significant difference during emergency situations. Whether it’s pooling resources for communal fire defense tools or organizing neighborhood safety meetings, a sense of community can offer added layers of protection for everyone involved.

Protecting your Sonoma County investment property from the threat of wildfires requires a combination of proactive measures, from creating a defensible space and using fire-resistant materials, to ensuring your tenants are well-prepared for emergencies.

Stay informed. If you have any questions or need help mitigating your risks, please reach out to a Sonoma County property management company. We’d be happy to help. Contact us at Redwood Residential Property Management.

Fire Season Preparedness: Protecting Your Sonoma County Investment Property