Anaheim Hills Homeowner Prepares Neighborhood for Wildfires
Preparing for the Unexpected
Jim McLain, a resident of Anaheim Hills, has watched the brush-filled hillside nearby with concern as wildfires erupt in Los Angeles County, destroying thousands of homes. Now, he’s taking steps to fireproof his home and his community in case of a nearby wildfire.
A Proactive Approach to Fire Safety
McLain has lived just south of Nohl Ranch Road for 28 years and urges others to follow his lead. “What would happen if they went up and the extent of which the wind would carry embers across our entire neighborhood and what they would ignite,” he said.
Preventing the Spread of Wildfires
He actively blows leaves out of the area whenever there is a wind event and led the effort to install a remote-controlled sprinkler system for his townhome community. His community also has fire hoses that can stretch around each of his neighbor’s homes and believes that each home should have one.
Fire-Resistant Vents
Ember-resistant vents are something that McLain’s townhome community has invested in. The vents prevent embers from getting into the attic space. “Oftentimes you do see the embers, blowing in – and they go straight into your attic vents .. once your attic is on fire – they can’t do anything about it,” said Kelly Berkompas, the co-founder of Brandguard Vents.
A New Interest in Ember-Resistant Vents
Berkompas started her company 20 years ago but since wildfires erupted throughout Los Angeles earlier this month, a new interest in her ember-resistant vents has emerged. “Our phones have been ringing off the hook,” Berkompas said. “We have website inquiries …basically everyone is scared – they see what happened to these homes, how fast it can happen – how you really have to harden your home in advance.”
Success Stories
Berkompas added that 200 customers in the Malibu and Palisades area have her ember-resistant vents installed and almost all of their homes are still standing.
Conclusion
As the threat of wildfires looms, it’s clear that taking proactive steps to prepare is crucial. By investing in fire-resistant vents, remote-controlled sprinkler systems, and fire hoses, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of property damage and loss of life. It’s a lesson that Jim McLain and Kelly Berkompas are spreading to their communities, urging others to take action and prepare for the unexpected.
FAQs
- What is an ember-resistant vent?
- An ember-resistant vent is a device that prevents embers from entering the attic space of a building, reducing the risk of a wildfire spreading to the interior of the home.
- How do I install an ember-resistant vent?
- It’s recommended to consult with a professional to determine the best installation method for your specific situation.
- What are some other ways to prepare for a wildfire?
- Creating a defensible space around your home, using fire-resistant materials for construction and landscaping, and having a emergency plan in place are all important steps in preparing for a wildfire.
