Prepare Your Home for Wildfire Season

As in many other communities, if you are an Orange County homeowner, you may live in an area where there is a risk of wildfire - and if you haven't done so already, it's time to take steps to protect your home should a wildfire occur.  Fire hardening is key. This proceess can make your home more resistant to wildfires.  It includes various building and landscaping measures you can take, including creating defensible space around your home and using fire- resistant building materials and landscaping, that fire authorities recommend to reduce the risk of ignition from embers, radiant heat, and flames. CAL FIRE Home Hardening Recommendations Here are some key strategies from CAL FIRE on how to harden your home against wildfires:  1. Roofing Material: Use Class A fire-rated roofing materials, such as composition shingles, metal, or clay tiles. Maintenance: Clear your home's roofs and keep rain gutters clear of leaves, needles, and other debris. 2. Vents Screening: To preent embers from entering, cover all vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh to prevent embers from entering. Design: Use ember-resistant vents or design vent openings to minimize ember intrusion. 3. Eaves and Soffits Enclosure: Enclose eaves and soffits with fire-resistant materials to prevent embers from lodging. 4. Windows and Doors Glass: Install dual-pane or tempered glass windows to reduce breakage. Frames: Use fire-resistant materials for frames and sills. Seals: Ensure doors and windows close tightly and have proper seals. 5. Walls Materials: Use non-combustible or ignition-resistant materials for exterior walls, such as stucco, fiber cement, or fire-retardant-treated wood. 6. Decks Construction: Build decks with fire-resistant materials and keep the area beneath them clear of flammable materials. Spacing: Ensure there are no gaps between deck boards that can trap embers. 7. Fences Material: Use non-combustible fencing materials, especially within 5 feet of the home. Separation: Create a separation between the fence and the house if using combustible materials. Landscaping and Defensible Space Creating defensible space around your home is critical in Orange County and throughout Southern California. This doesn't mean that you have to rip out all your lanscaping. It's more about making adjustments and preventing/removing overgrowth and dead vegetation. CAL FIRE recommends creating and maintaining the following zones:  Zone 0: Immediate Zone (0-5 feet from the home) Clearance: Remove all dead vegetation and flammable materials. Plants: Use fire-resistant plants and keep them well-watered and maintained. Zone 1: Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet from the home) Spacing: Ensure proper spacing between trees and shrubs. Maintenance: Regularly prune trees and shrubs to remove dead or overhanging branches. In addition to CAL FIRE's recommendations, local Orange County agencies also have suggestions and resources to help homeowners and landowners to prepare their properties for wildfire season.  Below are some links from local Orange County fire agencies, including some that are city-specific.   CAL FIRE’s Ready for Wildfire: Ready for Wildfire Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA): OCFA Home Fire Hardening City of Irvine Fire Safety: Irvine Fire Safety Laguna Beach Fire Safety: Laguna Beach Fire Safety Yorba Linda Fire Safety Council: Yorba Linda Fire Safety Conclusion Preparing your home for fire season and creating defensible space is essential for protecting your property and ensuring safety during wildfire events. By following the comprehensive guidelines provided by CAL FIRE and local Orange County cities, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire damage to your home.  Kristine Marquez is a licensed Realtor®  and serves the Orange County, CA area and excels at advising homeowners about their biggest investment - their home, providing the information and insight homeowners need to make decisions that support their near and long term goals. She and her husband relocated to OC from LA County more than 20 years ago and they have raised their three daughters here and share their home with them, as well as their dogs and cat. She can be reached at kristine@kristinemarquez.com 

Your Home After the Rain - These Four Things May Need Your Attention

You may see blue skies after the atmospheric rivers move on, but since historically Orange County, along with the rest of So Cal, but late February into March still falls in the rainy season, once the storms pass it's a good time to see how your home and property are holding up. It's a good idea to check the items below to take advantage of any dry periods to check for damage and make repairs or adjustments.  1. Roof and Gutters Our roofs are subject to extremes in conditions from record breaking heat and dry spells in summer and early fall, which can make roofs more susceptible to being damaged when heavy rain arrrives in winter. It's wise to check roofs post-rain for worn/damaged shingles which could be compromised and leak. If you have raingutters, make sure they are not clogged to ensure water is directed properly.  2. Foundations After a rainstorm, another place to check for damage is your foundation for changes in existing cracks or to see if new ones have appeared.  Concrete is a material which can be negatively affected by excess moisture.  Basements aren't common in Southern Californnia but if present should be checked as well.  3. Windows and Doors  Heavy rain is often accomanied by strong winds, which can push water into homes, so it's prudent to check for leaks or drafts after a storm and seal any gaps to keep the water out. This will help you with utility bills when summer comes also by keeping cool air from the AC in.   4. Landscaping and Drainage One of the great pleasures of living in Orange County is (almost) year round outdoor living. Walk your yard and patio to catch any pooling water or soil erosion which could indicate drainage issues that need attention.  You should ensure your yard directs water away from your home. Also, consider incorporating native plants that are drought-tolerant that will help retain soil. And of course check the weather and put sprinklers on rain delay if there is rain in the forecast.   The OC Wrap-Up Checking your home and yard after the storms pass helps you stay ahead of possible problems to prevent any that arise from becoming major issues and keeping your home intact and cozy. For more in depth advice you can check with the website for your city in Orange County

Three Romantic Fullerton Restaurants To impress Your Date on Valentine's Day

Looking for a date night worthy fine dining restaurant in Fullerton for Valentine's Day that offers an romantic  atmosphere, exceptional food and libations, and great service? I have three suggestions that are sure to impress.  The Cellar - Fullerton In its subterranean location not visible from street level, beneath downtown Fullerton’s historic Villa Del Sol, The Cellar remains a go-to destination for romantic fine dining in Fullerton even after decades.  Candlelit tables, chandeliers, structured arches reminiscent of Europe (and designed by the same craftsmen/artists as Disneyland’s Pirates of the Carribean)  make the Cellar a one of a kind setting for a night of romance. Their modern French cuisine is meticulously prepared, offering a menu that pairs perfectly with their large and extraordinary wine list.  Mulberry Street Ristorante - Fullerton Mulberry Street Ristorante offers classic, well-executed, Italian dishes served in a warm, inviting atmosphere - think dark woods and white tablecloths- that exudes a sense of warmth and intimacy that's perfect for romantic dinners. Servers are knowledgeable and attentive. The menu features homemade pasta, succulent meats, and fresh seafood, complemented by a good selection of Italian wines. Mulberry Street brings the heart and soul of Italy to Fullerton. Summit House - Fullerton The Summit House sits on a knoll from its vantage point, featuring a stunning view of city lights through panoramic windows and is the perfect setting for a romantic evening that will impress. The menu of American cuisine specializing in prime cuts and seafood – with English touches here and there, impeccably prepared, attentive service along with the classic and luxurious ambience, all combine for a romantic and unforgettable evening.   These three restaurants are exceptional choices for couples who seek fine dining restaurants are romantic, with a unique, upscale ambience for a night of love, laughter, and exquisite flavors.

Five Tips for Moving Into a New Home With Pets Easier on Them and You

Moving into a new home is an exciting time – the beginning of a new adventure for new homeowners and their families, including pets – only for pets it can often be more stressful than exciting - at least initially.  The change in daily routines and new surroundings can be hard on animals. While it's not difficult to help pets make the transition to a new home it does require some preparation before, during and after the move.  Here are key steps to ensure a pet-friendly move: Maintain Their Routines: As much as you can, feed, walk and play with your pets every day at the same time as you did in your prior home or as close to it as you can get. Continuing established routines can go a long way in helping your pet to adjust. Give Them Their Own Place: Set up a place in your new home for your pet. With an eye toward giving your pet a sense of security, Include their favorite bed and other familiar items. Let Them Get to Know Their New Home: Don’t rush this. Allow your pet to explore the new home at their own pace. Your cat might hide in a one room and it might take a while to venture out. Your dog might need to be supervised when accessing different parts of your new home and backyard. New Identification: Get a new tag for your pet’s collar that your new address and phone number. Update your pet’s information with the microchip company if your pet is chipped. Pet escapes are not uncommon during or shortly after a move. Say Goodbye to Your Vet and Find a New Vet: If you’re not moving close to your former home, visit your current vet for copies of records, or even better, ask them to email them to you, and for medications. Ask your vet if he knows of any veterinarians he or she can recommend in your new area. These simple steps will help your pet to adjust more quickly and enjoy what you both enjoy the most – spending time together.