Written For Green Santa Clarita 

We love to keep our landscaping looking it’s best – whether you are trimming grass, pruning branches or maintaining a home garden, neat landscaping adds value to a sustainable lifestyle.

But if left unkept, dry leaves and mulch can easily turn into kindling during a fire. According to Cal Fire, more than 8,500 fires burned almost four million acres in California alone last year. In addition to maintaining landscaping, it is also important to take preventative steps to reduce the risk of your property becoming fuel for a wildfire.

Please refer to this 7-step guide for residents, provided by the National Fire Protection Association. Visit firewise.org to learn more.

In addition to preventative wildfire safety tips, there are other ways to prepare for an emergency including building your own emergency kit. Here is a list of items that are essential to building an emergency kit.

A large, sturdy bag to hold essentials items.

Lightweight, nutritious food like protein bars or nuts, and a gallon of water per person, per day.

Personal essentials like toiletries, a change of clothing and eyeglasses.

Any medications you may need; prescription or over-the-counter.

Protective items like a face mask, first aid kit, sanitizer, antibacterial wipes and gloves.

A phone charger, flashlight and extra batteries. If possible, a portable radio is great too.

Copies of essential paperwork like passports, birth certificates, social security cards, title or lease documents and insurance paperwork.

Cash! Credit or debit cards may not work, so it is always a good idea to have enough cash for food, gas or other essentials that will last at least a few days.