Wildfire Preparedness
Wildfire Preparedness
Wildfires are not just a concern for rural areas. Wind-driven embers can travel miles ahead of a fire and ignite homes in urban and suburban neighborhoods like Redwood City.
Taking simple steps now can significantly reduce your risk.
Start Here: What You Can Do This Week
Focus on the highest-impact actions first:
- Clear all combustible materials within 0–5 feet of your home
- Clean leaves and debris from roofs and gutters
- Remove dead vegetation and maintain landscaping
- Check vents and openings to prevent ember entry
- Sign up for emergency alerts
These small actions can make a critical difference during a wildfire.
Understand Your Risk in Redwood City
Redwood City includes areas with elevated wildfire risk due to:
- Vegetation and open space
- Wind patterns that carry embers
- Proximity to wildland-urban interface areas
Even homes outside high-risk zones can be vulnerable to ember exposure. Check Your Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ)
- Vegetation and fuels
- Terrain and slope
- Weather patterns (including wind and ember exposure)
Step 1: Learn About Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Visit the California Office of the State Fire Marshal: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov
California Office of the State Fire Marshal
Fire Hazard Severity Zones overview and explanation
This page explains:
- What FHSZ means
- The difference between Moderate, High, and Very High zones
- How these designations are used for building and defensible space requirements
Step 2: Look Up Your Property
You can check your specific location using the State’s interactive map:
How to use the map:
- Enter your address in the search bar
- Click on your property
- View your assigned hazard zone
What Your Zone Means
- Moderate: Some wildfire risk
- High: Increased wildfire risk
- Very High: Highest wildfire risk; additional requirements may apply
Even if your property is not in a designated high-risk zone, embers can still travel long distances, and wildfire preparedness is recommended for all residents.
Why This Matters
Knowing your FHSZ helps you:
- Understand your level of wildfire exposure
- Identify recommended defensible space actions
- Determine potential building or retrofit requirements
- Prepare for insurance and long-term resilience
Create Defensible Space Around Your Home
Defensible space is the buffer between your home and surrounding vegetation.
Zone 0 (0–5 feet): Immediate Zone – Most Critical
- Use non-combustible materials (gravel, concrete)
- Remove mulch, leaves, and combustible items
- Keep this area completely clear
Zone 1 (5–30 feet): Reduced Fuel Zone
- Trim trees and shrubs
- Maintain spacing between plants
- Remove dead vegetation
Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Extended Zone
- Reduce vegetation density
- Maintain horizontal and vertical spacing
For More information, check out these links:
Harden Your Home Against Embers
Most homes are lost to embers, not direct flames.
Improve your home’s resistance:
- Install ember-resistant vents
- Use Class A fire-rated roofing
- Upgrade to dual-pane tempered windows
- Seal gaps around garage doors and openings
- Enclose eaves and decks
Learn more through:
Many of these actions may also support insurance eligibility or discounts.
Be Ready to Evacuate
Prepare before an emergency:
- Create a go-bag with essentials
- Plan multiple evacuation routes
- Keep important documents accessible
- Sign up for emergency notifications
Resources: Join CERT! Info on CERT here.
This webpage is part of Redwood City’s broader effort to improve wildfire resilience and preparedness.
Additional Resources
Explore these trusted resources for more detailed guidance:
- United Policyholders
Homeowner-focused wildfire preparedness and recovery resources - California Department of Insurance
Step-by-step actions to harden your home and improve insurability - Ready for Wildfire
Defensible space and wildfire readiness guidance - Federal Emergency Management Agency
National preparedness and safety information
Stay Informed: Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
During a wildfire or emergency, timely information is critical.
San Mateo County uses SMC Alert to send notifications about:
- Evacuations
- Road closures
- Emergency instructions
- Public safety updates
Sign Up for SMC Alert
What to do:
- Register your address
- Add multiple contact methods (text, email, phone)
- Include all household members if possible
Why This Matters
Emergency alerts provide real-time instructions that can:
- Help you evacuate early
- Avoid hazardous areas
- Stay informed during fast-moving incidents
Do not rely on social media alone—official alerts provide the most accurate and timely information. Stay Connected
Follow Redwood City Fire Department for updates, seasonal reminders, and safety tips.
Have Questions?
Contact the Redwood City Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Division