2025 Wildfire Preparedness Calendar

Your Year-Round Guide to Home Fire Safety

By Red Flag Ready - San Luis Obispo County

January

Winter Preparation
Medium Priority
  • Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
    Replace batteries and test all alarms throughout the house
  • Review Emergency Kit
    Check expiration dates on food, water, and medications
  • Update Emergency Contacts
    Verify all phone numbers and add new family/neighbor contacts
💡 January Tip

Use the new year as motivation to start fresh with your wildfire preparedness. Create a dedicated emergency supply closet.

February

Winter Maintenance
Medium Priority
  • Clean Gutters & Downspouts
    Remove all debris, leaves, and standing water
  • Inspect Roof for Damage
    Look for loose tiles, damaged flashing, or gaps where embers could enter
  • Service Chainsaws & Tools
    Sharpen blades, change oil, and test all vegetation management equipment
🔧 February Tip

February is perfect for equipment maintenance before the busy spring preparation season begins.

March

Spring Prep Begins
High Priority
  • Create Defensible Space Zone 1
    Clear all vegetation within 5 feet of structures
  • Trim Tree Branches
    Remove branches within 10 feet of roof and chimney
  • Update Evacuation Plan
    Review routes and practice with all family members
🌿 March Tip

Start defensible space work early before vegetation grows thick. Dispose of cuttings properly - never burn during red flag conditions.

April

Spring Action
High Priority
  • Test Water Systems
    Check sprinklers, pumps, and water storage tanks
  • Defensible Space Zone 2
    Create spacing between shrubs in 5-30 foot zone
  • Check Exterior Vents
    Install or replace 1/8-inch mesh screening on all vents
💧 April Tip

April is ideal for testing water systems before fire season. Make sure pumps are serviced and fuel is fresh.

May

Fire Season Starts
High Priority
  • Check Fire Extinguishers
    Inspect pressure gauges and replace expired units
  • Stock Emergency Supplies
    Ensure 72-hour kit is complete and fresh
  • Clear Ladder Fuels
    Remove vegetation that connects ground to tree canopy
🚨 May Tip

Fire season officially begins! Sign up for emergency alerts and make sure your go-bag is ready.

June

Early Fire Season
High Priority
  • Practice Evacuation Routes
    Drive alternate routes and time each option
  • Maintain Vehicles
    Keep fuel tanks at least half full during fire season
  • Update Home Inventory
    Photograph belongings and store documentation online
🛣️ June Tip

Practice evacuation routes during different times of day. Traffic patterns change, and you want multiple options.

July

Peak Fire Season
High Priority
  • Inspect Roof Vulnerabilities
    Check for gaps in roof tiles, loose gutters, accumulated debris
  • Water Tank Maintenance
    Top off water storage and check pump operation
  • Check Weather Alerts
    Sign up for red flag warnings and evacuation alerts
🔥 July Tip

Peak fire season means staying extra vigilant. Check weather and fire conditions daily.

August

Extreme Fire Season
High Priority
  • Additional Vegetation Clearing
    Remove any new growth and maintain defensible space
  • Ready Go-Bags
    Keep evacuation bags by the door during red flag days
  • Monitor Fire Activity
    Track nearby fires and air quality daily
⚠️ August Tip

August is typically the most dangerous month. Stay alert and be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

September

Extended Fire Season
High Priority
  • Check Emergency Water Storage
    Verify water quality and refill containers as needed
  • Test Communication Plan
    Ensure all family members know emergency contacts
  • Prepare for Wind Season
    Secure outdoor furniture and decorations
🌪️ September Tip

September often brings dangerous wind conditions. Diablo winds can spread fires rapidly across the county.

October

Late Fire Season
Medium Priority
  • Review Insurance Coverage
    Check policy limits and document any home improvements
  • Winterize Outdoor Equipment
    Service pumps and store seasonal equipment properly
  • Plan Next Year's Projects
    Identify areas needing improvement for next season
📋 October Tip

Fire season isn't over yet, but it's a good time to review insurance and plan improvements for next year.

November

Fire Season Ends
Medium Priority
  • Seal Gaps & Check Vents
    Weatherstrip doors/windows and inspect vent screens
  • Store Equipment
    Clean and store sprinklers, hoses, and tools for winter
  • Review Year's Performance
    What worked well? What needs improvement?
🏠 November Tip

Use the break in fire season to make home improvements and plan for next year's preparedness activities.

December

Year-End Review
Low Priority
  • Annual Safety Review
    Assess all wildfire preparedness measures and plan improvements
  • Order Next Year's Supplies
    Stock up on batteries, tools, and emergency supplies
  • Schedule Professional Services
    Book tree trimming, roof inspection, or system installation
🎯 December Tip

End the year strong by planning ahead. Schedule services early - professionals book up quickly before fire season.