CHRISTMAS TREE HILL IS A FIREWISE COMMUNITY
CTH FIREWISE is a CTH NRG initiative
Residents working collaboratively to take proactive steps to protect homes against the threat of wildfire.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Being a Firewise Community entitles CTH residents to a homeowners insurance discount - be sure to contact you insurance agent/company promptly to find out if you qualify for the discount. Full details on insurance companies that offer the discount. Proof of our Firewise certification is attached:
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Every year, devastating wildfires burn across California. While these fires will unfortunately continue to happen, there are things you can do to protect your home and neighborhood as well as your family’s safety. The Firewise USA® program is here to help residents get started by learning what action we can all take to make our homes safer from wildfire.
Wildfires don’t have to destroy everything in their path. Science and research have proven that using Firewise principles in your landscaping can minimize damage and prevent losses. The work you do today can make a difference. |
CTH became a Firewise Community on July 14, 2021 and our renewal certification application has been approved for 2023-2024. Maintaining defensible space makes re-certification possible - please make every effort to comply with California and Marin County’s defensible space laws: https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace.
What steps did we take to become a Firewise Community?
- We completed an application to Firewise USA, conducted a neighborhood house-by-house risk assessment, and prepared a community action plan.
- Now that we are officially approved, the following steps must be taken:
- Educational outreach: Host an outreach event and work with CTH residents on addressing items in the action plan.
- Risk reduction investment: Record our community’s efforts to reduce its wildfire risk in the calendar year. We can include any time invested and expenses our community may have incurred to reduce its wildfire risk;
- Find examples of activities that count towards our investment. We will use the Firewise volunteer hourly worksheet to collect information from residents in our community;
- At a minimum, each site is required to annually invest the equivalent of one volunteer hour per dwelling unit in wildfire risk reduction actions. If our site has identified 325 homes within its boundary, then 325 hours of work or the monetary equivalent—which will be $25.43 per dwelling unit—must be incurred or take place within the reporting year.
- Review and update our action plan. We can check our 2021 application to see what year we will be due for an update.
- Review and update our community risk assessment. We can check our 2021 application to see what year we will be due for an update;
- Update our old risk assessment using this template.
- Overview: Has our community grown or changed its boundary? If so, we will need to update the number of dwelling units;
- Committee/Board: Update the board member contacts;
- Vegetation removal: If we had an event where our community removed vegetation, report how much was removed and share a short narrative describing the event.
WHAT DO I, AS A RESIDENT, HAVE TO DO?
STEP 1: Review and take the the Firewise Pledge by sending us an email with the subject line “Taking the Firewise Pledge”
STEP 3: As part of your Firewise pledge, commit to spending a minimum of 12 hours and $25 a year on yard maintenance that furthers the goal of creating defensible space.
- Please include your address in the email.
- Maintain defensible space;
- Keep my/our lawn hydrated and maintained, if it is brown, to trim it to reduce fire intensity, remove debris and lawn cuttings, and dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire;
- Remove dry grass and shrubs which are fuel for wild fire;
- Prune the low hanging branches of tall trees 6 to 10 feet from the ground; and prune low hanging branches of smaller trees no more than a third of the tree’s height.
- Remove tall grasses, vines and shrubs from under trees.
- Clear needles, leaves and other debris from my/our roof, gutters, eaves, porches and decks to reduce the chances of embers igniting my/our home;
- Replace or repair loose or missing roof shingles or tiles, and caulk any gaps or openings on roof edges to reduce ember penetration;
- Cover exterior attic vents, and enclose under-eave and soffit vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent embers from entering my/our home;
- Remove items stored under my/our decks or porches; and replace flammable vegetation in these areas with rock or gravel;
- Replace mulch with hardscaping, including rock, gravel or stone.
- During the fire season, remove flammable items within 30 feet of all structures including redwood piles, portable propane tanks and dry and dead vegetation; and remove/move items on or touching my/our house, porch or deck that can catch fire.
STEP 3: As part of your Firewise pledge, commit to spending a minimum of 12 hours and $25 a year on yard maintenance that furthers the goal of creating defensible space.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A FIREWISE COMMUNITY?
Firewise USA Program Benefits
There are numerous tangible and intangible benefits for residents who live is a recognized Firewise USA site or neighborhood. Here are a few of the more important benefits:
Framework for proactive action
The Firewise USA program provides neighbors with a framework for reducing the risk of wildfire. Meeting the criteria for becoming a Firewise USA™ site helps communities get organized and find direction for their wildfire safety efforts. Like the first rungs on a ladder, the criteria help get a community started toward annual, systematic action to reduce their risks from wildfires.
Learn about wildfire
As neighbors go through the process, they learn about wildfire risks in the community and the simple things they can do to reduce them. They connect with experts – local fire fighters, state forestry professionals, and national researchers – to continue to learn about fire and find resources to accomplish fire-safe actions.
Peace of mind
People who work with experts to learn about wildfire and take who action start to see results quickly. Knowing that they are using the best information available and actually taking steps to reduce the risk of damage from fire helps people start to feel safer in their environment and in their homes. Having a plan for what to do in the event of a fire helps people become calmer and more prepared to act quickly.
Community-building
As neighbors get together to do work, often meeting one another for the first time, they build a stronger bond with each other. Activity can help rally people to a common cause for the good of the neighborhood. This strengthening of community ties can benefit residents in many ways, and is especially helpful during an emergency.
Insurance discounts
Homeowners insured by USAA and the California FAIR Plan may be eligible for insurance discounts if they live in a recognized Firewise USA site. These discounts are not guaranteed and are not administered by FIRESafe MARIN or the NFPA/Firewise USA program. Other insurers may offer these discounts as well. Contact your agent for questions.
USAA Members
Departments of Insurance in seven states have approved filings by USAA to give homeowners insurance discounts to USAA members living in communities recognized by the Firewise USA™ program. This discount applies to policies issuing or renewing on the following dates in the states listed below.
California - Policies effective on or after 10/1/2014
Firewise USA Program Benefits
There are numerous tangible and intangible benefits for residents who live is a recognized Firewise USA site or neighborhood. Here are a few of the more important benefits:
Framework for proactive action
The Firewise USA program provides neighbors with a framework for reducing the risk of wildfire. Meeting the criteria for becoming a Firewise USA™ site helps communities get organized and find direction for their wildfire safety efforts. Like the first rungs on a ladder, the criteria help get a community started toward annual, systematic action to reduce their risks from wildfires.
Learn about wildfire
As neighbors go through the process, they learn about wildfire risks in the community and the simple things they can do to reduce them. They connect with experts – local fire fighters, state forestry professionals, and national researchers – to continue to learn about fire and find resources to accomplish fire-safe actions.
Peace of mind
People who work with experts to learn about wildfire and take who action start to see results quickly. Knowing that they are using the best information available and actually taking steps to reduce the risk of damage from fire helps people start to feel safer in their environment and in their homes. Having a plan for what to do in the event of a fire helps people become calmer and more prepared to act quickly.
Community-building
As neighbors get together to do work, often meeting one another for the first time, they build a stronger bond with each other. Activity can help rally people to a common cause for the good of the neighborhood. This strengthening of community ties can benefit residents in many ways, and is especially helpful during an emergency.
Insurance discounts
Homeowners insured by USAA and the California FAIR Plan may be eligible for insurance discounts if they live in a recognized Firewise USA site. These discounts are not guaranteed and are not administered by FIRESafe MARIN or the NFPA/Firewise USA program. Other insurers may offer these discounts as well. Contact your agent for questions.
USAA Members
Departments of Insurance in seven states have approved filings by USAA to give homeowners insurance discounts to USAA members living in communities recognized by the Firewise USA™ program. This discount applies to policies issuing or renewing on the following dates in the states listed below.
California - Policies effective on or after 10/1/2014
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What is USAA?
The USAA family of companies provides insurance, banking, investments, retirement products, and advice to more than 10 million current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being, and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving our nation in the U.S. military or have received a discharge type of Honorable – and their eligible family members. Founded in 1922, USAA is headquartered in San Antonio. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com. |
What is the discount?
To reward USAA members and encourage more residents of wildfire risk areas to take safety steps, USAA is providing a discount on the homeowner’s insurance premium for its members who live in communities recognized by the Firewise USA program – in states that USAA is approved to offer the discount.
How do I become eligible for the discount?
If you are a current USAA member living in California you must reside within the boundaries of a recognized Firewise USA site to qualify for the discount. USAA homeowners policyholders living in a recognized Firewise USA community will automatically receive the discount at their first renewal following the discount’s effective date. New USAA policies for homes in recognized communities also qualify for the discount, but homes must meet USAA’s underwriting standards before a new USAA policy can be issued. USAA has partnered with Firewise USA to automatically determine if a home is located in a recognized community. The website has a list of the recognized communities or you may speak to a USAA representative to find out if you qualify. Residents need to know the name of their subdivision or community. If your community is not a recognized community, the website also provides information on how to start the recognition process.
I’m not a USAA member. Does my insurance company provide this discount?
To date, USAA is the first large insurance company to provide a specific discount to residents of Firewise USA sites. You can speak with your insurance agent to find out if your insurer offers any discounts or other incentives for wildfire safety. Residents of these states who are not USAA members should contact their insurance company regarding any wildfire discounts or other safety programs.
Is USAA going to make this discount available to its members who live in other states?
USAA intends to pursue this discount for its members living in states with significant wildfire risks. To do so, the company must file for a rate change with each state’s Department of Insurance for approval or notification. When those filings take place, they are typically a matter of public record and NFPA will be keeping its website up to date on this topic.
I’ve done Firewise mitigation work on my home, does that make me eligible for a discount?
Congratulations on taking steps to better protect your home. USAA believes community-level action is important and provides the discount to members in participating communities to reward actions taken at the community level, rather than singling out individual properties. USAA offers other wildfire-related products and services to its members; please contact USAA for more information. If you have done work on your property and would like to significantly reduce the risk of wildfire loss in your community, please talk to your neighbors about joining with you to start the Firewise USA recognition process.
Why is the discount for Firewise USA instead of other programs?
The Firewise USA program has national scope and consistent criteria for recognition. NFPA has collected and maintained data on all participating communities since 2002, including data that specifies the exact location boundaries for each community. USAA’s research also found a favorable difference in loss experience for members who live in Firewise USA communities. USAA chose Firewise USA based on NFPA’s expertise and experience in the community wildfire prevention and feels this program best aligns with its wildfire strategy.
Build citizen pride
While the work can be fun, it isn’t always easy. Neighbors work very hard in communities to remove brush and debris, clean up common areas, and dispose of green waste. They are rightly proud when they achieve national recognition for their efforts.
Get publicity
The program provides communities with metal signs, a plaque and other materials that can be presented publicly to honor their status as a Firewise USA recognition site. These recognition ceremonies are great ways to shine the spotlight on community efforts. News media find this to be a great story to cover, and the national program features community stories regularly on the website and in its publications. All this publicity results not only in satisfaction for the residents involved but also provides one more way to reach large numbers of people with information about wildfire safety.
To reward USAA members and encourage more residents of wildfire risk areas to take safety steps, USAA is providing a discount on the homeowner’s insurance premium for its members who live in communities recognized by the Firewise USA program – in states that USAA is approved to offer the discount.
How do I become eligible for the discount?
If you are a current USAA member living in California you must reside within the boundaries of a recognized Firewise USA site to qualify for the discount. USAA homeowners policyholders living in a recognized Firewise USA community will automatically receive the discount at their first renewal following the discount’s effective date. New USAA policies for homes in recognized communities also qualify for the discount, but homes must meet USAA’s underwriting standards before a new USAA policy can be issued. USAA has partnered with Firewise USA to automatically determine if a home is located in a recognized community. The website has a list of the recognized communities or you may speak to a USAA representative to find out if you qualify. Residents need to know the name of their subdivision or community. If your community is not a recognized community, the website also provides information on how to start the recognition process.
I’m not a USAA member. Does my insurance company provide this discount?
To date, USAA is the first large insurance company to provide a specific discount to residents of Firewise USA sites. You can speak with your insurance agent to find out if your insurer offers any discounts or other incentives for wildfire safety. Residents of these states who are not USAA members should contact their insurance company regarding any wildfire discounts or other safety programs.
Is USAA going to make this discount available to its members who live in other states?
USAA intends to pursue this discount for its members living in states with significant wildfire risks. To do so, the company must file for a rate change with each state’s Department of Insurance for approval or notification. When those filings take place, they are typically a matter of public record and NFPA will be keeping its website up to date on this topic.
I’ve done Firewise mitigation work on my home, does that make me eligible for a discount?
Congratulations on taking steps to better protect your home. USAA believes community-level action is important and provides the discount to members in participating communities to reward actions taken at the community level, rather than singling out individual properties. USAA offers other wildfire-related products and services to its members; please contact USAA for more information. If you have done work on your property and would like to significantly reduce the risk of wildfire loss in your community, please talk to your neighbors about joining with you to start the Firewise USA recognition process.
Why is the discount for Firewise USA instead of other programs?
The Firewise USA program has national scope and consistent criteria for recognition. NFPA has collected and maintained data on all participating communities since 2002, including data that specifies the exact location boundaries for each community. USAA’s research also found a favorable difference in loss experience for members who live in Firewise USA communities. USAA chose Firewise USA based on NFPA’s expertise and experience in the community wildfire prevention and feels this program best aligns with its wildfire strategy.
Build citizen pride
While the work can be fun, it isn’t always easy. Neighbors work very hard in communities to remove brush and debris, clean up common areas, and dispose of green waste. They are rightly proud when they achieve national recognition for their efforts.
Get publicity
The program provides communities with metal signs, a plaque and other materials that can be presented publicly to honor their status as a Firewise USA recognition site. These recognition ceremonies are great ways to shine the spotlight on community efforts. News media find this to be a great story to cover, and the national program features community stories regularly on the website and in its publications. All this publicity results not only in satisfaction for the residents involved but also provides one more way to reach large numbers of people with information about wildfire safety.