Videos
Watching the following videos will help you better protect your family and property in Oak Park.
As more and more community members watch the videos and implement the recommendations on this website, the entire community will be afforded a higher level of protection. Additionally, any hours spent watching videos are captured as “volunteer” hours that apply toward our Firewise Certification, which can also reduce your homeowners insurance rate.
Fire Chief Debunks Defensible Space Myth?
In this presentation Todd Lando, Battalion Chief and Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Specialist—Central Marin Fire Department discusses defensible space, applicable fire codes and ordinances covering zones 0 – 4, and busts myths as it relates to creating defensible space. Living with Fire in Marin County webinar series (March 2021) (20:44 minutes)
Home Insurance Shopping?
United Policyholders (UP) mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource and a respected voice for consumers of all types of insurance in all 50 states. In this video, experts discuss the current insurance crisis. It is a little over an hour long but gives you a deep understanding of your options, particularly if you have gotten a letter. (1:09:01 hour and minutes)
Ready Set Go!
In California, wildfires aren’t a question of if, but only a question of when. If you choose to live near a natural area of the state, you are at risk for wildfires and it’s your responsibility to prepare yourself, your family, and your home. And that preparation starts with three simple steps: READY, SET, GO! (6:23 minutes)
Jack D. Cohen, Research Physical Scientist, U.S. Forest Service
No one has done more to define the wildland-urban interface problem and empower homeowners to reduce their risk of wildfire than Jack Cohen. His post-fire field examinations and laboratory-based research on fire dynamics led to the concept of the home ignition zone, a phrase he coined. Cohen also co-developed the U.S. National Fire Danger Rating System and contributed to the U.S. fire behavior prediction systems. (3:39 minutes)
Homeowners can play an important role in making key choices that help protect their homes against wildfire risks. Wildfire embers, or fire brands, can be blown up to 2 miles away from the main wildfire, and land on vulnerable areas of your home and surrounding property. Making smart choices about landscaping, removing debris like pine needles and leaves, and establishing clearance zones can help keep your home safer from wildfire. Science has proven that taking precautions like these can make a difference when your home is at risk from wildfire. (3:56 minutes)
IBHS Research Center Ember Storm Test Highlights
This important video is from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s Research Center. The video highlights how small wildfire embers can ignite homes. (4:17 minutes)
ABC News’ Matt Gutman heads to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety in South Carolina where researchers study the science of wildfires and its effects on certain house structures. (7:28 minutes)