WHAT

Resident Mitigation

Resident mitigation is about empowering the people who live in your community to reduce the impacts of wildland fire. Resident mitigation includes those actions which you can take around the home (as well as other structures) and in neighborhoods to create conditions that resist ignition or lead to low-intensity fire. Any person (full-time or part-time resident, renter or owner, single-family or multi-family residence, rural or urban area) can take action. There are many examples of programs to help community members take action, including Firewise USA® recognition programs,  community cost-share chipping programs, home assessment programs and more. Check out some of the resources and ideas below.

Considerations

1
Science about the vulnerability of homes to wildfire is readily available. Ensure you are up to date on the best available science, materials and resources, such as the research from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
2
Many resources and programs are tailored to single-family home owners. Remember, when working on your own mitigation and risk reduction programs, to include information for long-term renters, homeowners who rent out their homes through short-term rentals, mobile or manufactured homes, suburban communities, and multi-family properties.
3
The costs of reducing the risk to homes, apartment, or other structures will vary, as will the impact of those actions. Consider setting up programs to help offset the cost of the work for your community, especially for those who have financial need.

EXPLORE Resident Mitigation RESOURCES

  • WHO

  • WHERE

  • FORMAT

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Found 27 Results

Wildland Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Desk Reference Guide

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group
The Wildland Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Desk Reference Guide provides basic background information on relevant programs and terminology for those seeking to enhance their community’s wildfire mitigation efforts. Read More

Wildfire: Preparing the Home and Ranch

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Oklahoma State University Extension
This guide from Oklahoma State University Extension focuses on actions which can be taken around homes, barns or buildings to reduce wildfire risk. The guide covers defensible space, hay storage, outside equipment storage, livestock, and what to do if a wildfire is approaching. Read More

Wildfire Research Fact Sheet Series

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
National Fire Protection Association and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
This Wildfire Research Fact Sheet series features wildfire research undertaken at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety research facility. Fact sheets cover roofing, vents, fences, etc Read More

Wildfire Prepared Home

Website / Interactive Map
Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety
At the individual home level, researchers have identified core actions (such as installing an ignition-resistant roof and reducing fuels around the home) which will allow homeowners to receive a Wildfire Prepared Home designation. The program is based on research from the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety’s Suburban Wildfire Adaptation Roadmaps, Read More

Wildfire Partners Program Example

Website / Interactive Map
Wildfire Partners
This program provides an excellent example of effective partnership and wildfire risk reduction. Read More

The Home Ignition Zone: A guide to preparing your home for wildfire and creating defensible space

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Colorado State Forest Service
This guide focuses on reducing wildfire hazards on an individual property. It is created for residents in Colorado, but could apply to other geographical areas or be used as an example for other state agencies looking to create similar guides. Read More

Suburban Wildfire Adaptation Roadmap

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
“The key to preventing wildfires from becoming disasters is to keep them from entering and spreading into the built environment. IBHS has identified key vulnerabilities for suburban neighborhoods and communities; these insights build on findings published by the fire protection community and the best experimental and field research to date. The Suburban Wildfire Adaptation Roadmaps... Read More

Regional Wildfire Retrofit Guides

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Insurance Institute of Business & Home Safety
Wildfire risks can vary from region to region, and are dependent on building codes, building styles, and topography. To address these differences, the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety developed a series of regional guides which include a risk assessment checklist and cost estimator to help home and business owners prioritize necessary retrofit projects. Read More

Ready.Gov for Kids

Website / Interactive Map
US Department of Homeland Security
This portion of the Ready.Gov website is focused on kids and families. Sort resources by age and find resources both for kids and the families and organizations which serve them. Spanish language resources available. Read More

Protecting Farms and Ranches from Wildfire

Website / Interactive Map
Texas A&M University Agrilife Extension
Basic information on protecting farms and ranches from wildfire. Read More
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Community Profile
Fire Adaptation in the Field
Deschutes County, Oregon

Collaboration is the way business is done in Deschutes County, Oregon where Project Wildfire and Deschutes County convene partners to create Community Wildfire Protection Plans, foster evacuation preparedness, and facilitate resident mitigation. The FireFree program is a year-round educational program which focuses on ten steps residents can take to reduce fuel and ignition potential near their homes. Community-wide brush disposal opportunities provide area residents with free and convenient access to debris disposal– making mitigation easier for those they serve.