LOS TULARES FIREWISE COMMUNITY
The Los Tulares Firewise Community supports the education of homeowners, community maintenance of defensible space, and the hardening of homes in compliance with public resource code PRC 4291.
Firewise Communities
The Firewise USA® recognition program is administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and provides a collaborative framework to help neighbors in a geographic area get organized, find direction, and take action to increase the ignition resistance of their homes and community and to reduce wildfire risks at the local level. The Firewise USA program is a part of California’s efforts to ensure communities are prepared against wildfire, and CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal’s new Community Wildfire Preparedness & Mitigation Division works to assist local communities in receiving this designation.
Being a Firewise Community can help deter wildfires and keep homes safer in locations that follow the guidelines for removing brush, trimming up the bases of trees and other preventative measures. In addition to fire mitigation, participants may receive discounts to homeowners insurance, access to grants for additional clearing, and make it easier for emergency services to provide support.
There are currently 38 Firewise Communities in Monterey County.
The Firewise USA® recognition program is administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and provides a collaborative framework to help neighbors in a geographic area get organized, find direction, and take action to increase the ignition resistance of their homes and community and to reduce wildfire risks at the local level. The Firewise USA program is a part of California’s efforts to ensure communities are prepared against wildfire, and CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal’s new Community Wildfire Preparedness & Mitigation Division works to assist local communities in receiving this designation.
Being a Firewise Community can help deter wildfires and keep homes safer in locations that follow the guidelines for removing brush, trimming up the bases of trees and other preventative measures. In addition to fire mitigation, participants may receive discounts to homeowners insurance, access to grants for additional clearing, and make it easier for emergency services to provide support.
There are currently 38 Firewise Communities in Monterey County.
Save on Homeowners Insurance with Los Tulares Firewise Community
Most homeowners insurance policies offer a discount to those who reside in Firewise Communities. AAA offers a 5% discount and The California FAIR Plan, which has offered a 10% discount on policies since 2018, is now offering two additional discounts, one for protecting the structure and another for protecting the immediate surroundings of the dwelling.
These discounts will reduce the wildfire portion of the policy's premium by 10% and 5% respectively. Contact your insurance broker to find out how these additions might reduce your insurance premium.
Here is a link to additional information
Parameters of The Los Tulares Firewise Community
Benefits of Firewise Communities
1. Establishing a Framework for Action
Meeting the criteria for becoming a Firewise Community helps communities get organized and work together to make all homes safer from wildfires.
2. Learning About Wildfire and Prevention
As communities go through the process of being certified, they learn more about wildfire risks and preventative measures that can be taken by individual homeowners. The community will connect with professionals such as local firefighters. More resources become available to certified communities such as grants for brush removal. Firewise communities are also made aware of existing and upcoming state fire regulations.
3. Community Building
As neighbors get together to do work or attend educational events, often meeting for the first time, they build strong bonds. Having strong community ties can help in many ways, particularly in times of an emergency.
4. Get Publicity
The Firewise program provides communities with metal signs, a plaque and other materials that acknowledge recognition and participation in the program. Fire departments are aware of and supportive of local Firewise communities.
5. Access to Funding and Assistance
Preference is often given to Firewise communities when allocations of grant money is available for fire mitigation and safety. There are always more requests for aid than funds are available and some funding is reserved for Firewise communities.
6. Insurance Discounts
More and more insurance companies are becoming aware of Firewise communities and the steps they have taken to reduce damage and loss due to wildfires. Some companies are offering discounts to annual premiums.
7. Home values
Real estate agents are reporting queries from potential buyers about whether the community where the house is situated is a Firewise community or not. Everyone wants to be as safe and secure as possible in light of increased fire risk.
1. Establishing a Framework for Action
Meeting the criteria for becoming a Firewise Community helps communities get organized and work together to make all homes safer from wildfires.
2. Learning About Wildfire and Prevention
As communities go through the process of being certified, they learn more about wildfire risks and preventative measures that can be taken by individual homeowners. The community will connect with professionals such as local firefighters. More resources become available to certified communities such as grants for brush removal. Firewise communities are also made aware of existing and upcoming state fire regulations.
3. Community Building
As neighbors get together to do work or attend educational events, often meeting for the first time, they build strong bonds. Having strong community ties can help in many ways, particularly in times of an emergency.
4. Get Publicity
The Firewise program provides communities with metal signs, a plaque and other materials that acknowledge recognition and participation in the program. Fire departments are aware of and supportive of local Firewise communities.
5. Access to Funding and Assistance
Preference is often given to Firewise communities when allocations of grant money is available for fire mitigation and safety. There are always more requests for aid than funds are available and some funding is reserved for Firewise communities.
6. Insurance Discounts
More and more insurance companies are becoming aware of Firewise communities and the steps they have taken to reduce damage and loss due to wildfires. Some companies are offering discounts to annual premiums.
7. Home values
Real estate agents are reporting queries from potential buyers about whether the community where the house is situated is a Firewise community or not. Everyone wants to be as safe and secure as possible in light of increased fire risk.
Fire At Night In Cachagua As Seen From Los Tulares
Los Tulares Firewise Community Board of Directors
Loren Walden—[email protected]
Rick Lewis—Vice [email protected]
Meritxell Bejar-Cruells (Meri)--Secretary/[email protected]
Doug Steakley—Education and [email protected]
Scott Anderson-Advisor (Monterey County Regional Fire District)