This Markdown is a faithful, Obsidian‑ready rendering of the current Wildfire Prepared Home™ – How‑To Prepare My Home Checklist from IBHS. It groups items by zone and component, using concise, actionable bullets. (No nested objects; flat lists only.)
- Create and maintain a 0–5 ft non‑combustible buffer around all structures and attachments (sides, corners, entry steps, porches). Use gravel/rock/bare soil; no mulch, plants, or stored items.
- Move woodpiles, propane grills/tanks, furniture cushions and other combustibles outside 0–5 ft.
- Keep roofs, gutters, ledges, decks, and stairs free of debris (leaves/needles/twigs).
- Fencing attached to the home: install a non‑combustible section (≥5 ft) where fencing meets the structure.
- Garage door weather‑seal intact on all sides; replace if damaged/worn.
Openings & Vents – Required
- Screen all vents (eave/soffit, attic, gable, foundation/crawlspace, dryer, roof) with 1/8‑inch metal mesh or an ember‑resistant vent listed by the manufacturer.
- Windows/doors/screens in good repair; consider dual‑pane/tempered upgrades where feasible.
- Seal gaps at roof‑wall intersections, siding‑trim joints, and other ember entry points.
Roof & Gutters – Required
- Class A roof covering (or assembly) on the primary structure and attached garage when reroofing.
- Repair/replace loose or missing shingles/tiles; install/maintain metal flashing at roof‑to‑wall intersections.
- Gutters and downspouts: non‑combustible materials preferred; keep free of debris.
Decks, Porches & Under‑Structures – Required (when present)
- Remove all stored items and debris from under decks/porches.
- Where feasible, enclose or screen the underside with 1/8‑inch metal mesh; eliminate vegetation and combustibles below and immediately around.
- Deck boards and gaps kept clean of accumulations; relocate combustible furniture away from the house during Red Flag events.
- Separate trees and shrubs to interrupt direct flame paths; remove ladder fuels by pruning lower branches (≈ 6–10 ft from ground, or lower for small trees).
- Maintain mowed/green lawns; replace high‑resin plants (e.g., juniper) and wood/bark mulch near structures.
- Relocate lumber/equipment/vehicles away from structures; keep this zone lean, clean, and green.
Extended Zone (30–100+ ft) – Fuel Reduction
- Thin trees to create spacing between crowns; dispose of slash, dead/dying trees, and heavy downed limbs.
- Maintain driveways/access routes clear of flammable vegetation; ensure address numbers visible.
- Keep propane/fuel tanks cleared ≥10 ft around and free of vegetation.
Preparedness & Red Flag Readiness
- During Red Flag Warnings or extended absences, stage hoses, remove patio combustibles, and close all windows/doors.
- Review evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and enroll in county alert systems.
Documentation (for designation or insurer)
- Keep dated photos of each completed item (before/after where possible).
- Retain receipts/invoices for materials and contractor work.
- Maintain an annual maintenance log for debris clearing and vegetation management.
Notes
- This file reflects the current Wildfire Prepared Home guidance and checklist structure. For certification, follow the official checklist and photo requirements in the program materials.
- Terminology: “Required” denotes items needed to achieve a designation where applicable; vegetation items are strongly recommended and often required in high‑risk regions.