Homeowners in high wildfire risk areas of California have something to look forward to. Starting today, a new state law will help them secure funds for fire-resistant roofs and create protective zones around their properties.
The program, known as the Safe Homes grant program, aims to assist low- and middle-income homeowners in making their homes safer. Qualified applicants can use the grants to establish 5-foot ember-resistant zones, often referred to as Zone Zero. This feature is becoming mandatory in some areas to minimize fire risks.
The California Department of Insurance is in charge of this program. They are currently working on the eligibility criteria, the grant amounts, and how these funds will be distributed. Michael Soller from the department mentioned that they aim to launch an online application portal by March.
Mike Dayton, chief of staff for Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, highlighted that they have already set aside $3 million from the state budget to kick off this initiative.
To be eligible for the grants, homeowners must have policies with recognized insurance carriers or participate in the last-resort FAIR Plan. They will also need to meet income limits established by the state housing department. Moreover, not just individual homeowners, but communities and local governments can also apply for grants to fund mitigation projects.
There may be more financial support in the future. The state plans to pursue ongoing funding for this program, which could include assistance from the federal government. However, recent efforts by Governor Gavin Newsom to discuss disaster aid with FEMA were unsuccessful, indicating challenges ahead.
On a related note, two congress members, Mike Thompson and Doug LaMalfa, are pushing for federal legislation to develop a grant program and offer tax credits for fire mitigation efforts. Their bill has yet to reach a vote in Congress despite being introduced multiple times.
In recent developments, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has postponed finalizing rules about Zone Zero buffers. These are expected to be implemented for existing homes by 2029.
As wildfires continue to threaten communities, this grant program represents a proactive step toward better preparedness. Homeowners and local governments will have some new tools to protect their properties and families from future risks.
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Insurance,wildfires
