In San Diego today, flames can ignite in an instant, turning our hillsides into a danger zone. They create risks to people’s homes, our community, and our public community. Protecting our community is one of the many things we should worry about to keep it safe. Wildfire safety is about preparing and protecting before disaster hits.

What We Can Do

We can protect our communities from wildfires by staying informed about fire the alerts. Staying informed also helps our entire community respond quickly and responsibly when conditions change. As Ms. DasGupta, a science teacher here at Cathedral, points out, “Because of climate change, wildfires are no longer limited to one season— they can happen any time of the year.” To protect our homes from these wildfires, we can clear dry bush and participate in community fire-prevention programs.

How to Prepare

Ways to prepare for wildfires are to have emergency kits ready, containing essential items and first aid supplies. The City of San Diego suggests that developing a communication plan with family, documenting your contact information, planning an evacuation route, and practicing it.

It is important to stay informed about wildfire safety all year round because of how fast the climate is changing. Mrs. DasGupta explains, “Staying connected through local alerts and helping neighbors prepare can make a big difference during wildfire season.”

How Wildfires Affect Homeownership

Wildfires have destroyed entire communities in recent years. However, there has been an increase in the real estate market in high risk areas for wildfires. According to Beach Front Property Management, “insurance availability provides limited protection for home values in higher-risk areas.” Since wildfires can destroy our communities so easily, new residents of high-risk areas need to stay alert. Wildfires can destroy our communities.

Hopes for the Future

When we work on protecting our communities, we hope for a safer future. The hopes for the future of wildfire safety in San Diego are to create safe fire- friendly communities. We also hope for fewer destructive wildfires in our areas. More residents are learning how to prepare their homes and neighborhoods for the fire season.